George Inness, The Lackawanna Valley

[@carlberg7503]

Another brilliant analysis in just five minutes. Since this is a painting I would pay no attention to in a museum, I am grateful to your teasing out the philosophical and historical tensions in the work, which offers an insight into conflicts we continue to live with: a worship of nature at the same time that we destroy nature in the pursuit of wealth. The problem is more acute today with global warming and massive pollution and days when it's not safe to walk outdoors because the air quality is dangerous.

[@zowyadoinbeb]

I spent the first 25 years of my life in Northeast Pennsylvania and I find this painting (and your analysis of it) to be remarkable. The tension in the composition mirrors my experience growing up near Scranton. I especially notice how the horse and carriage seem to be headed towards a dead end. Thank you for your videos. Much appreciated!

[@pietrosb4542]

Very good and insightful video!

[@Sasha0927]

"One of the most puzzling paintings in American history" - what a title to hold! I had to wonder why, but the explanation makes sense. This was a transitional moment that must've been jarring for its early viewers, nevermind the mixed emotions about the changing landscape and innovation... The only "roundhouse" I knew was a spinning kick, so that was interesting to learn about! lol Dr. Zygmont got me with his question about progress. At the top of the month, I rode a train for the first time in my life and I'd make a case for it being a positive development in transport. We still contend with that tension of is and will be today - it just looks differently now. C'est la vie !

[@christopherbonis]

Wonderful. I’ve really enjoyed the uploads this week.

[@0x_hackerfren]

Anotha one. yall are amazing.

[@Robespierre-lI]

SmaryHistory is the absolute best art history educational content available online. If you guys read this, please know that you have the respect of so many of us who rely on you for supplemental educational content for our students. One recommendation ... A big one ... More Non-Westetn art please! And certainly more on the "minor arts" (or whatever term we are using these days for the decorative arts and craft.)

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thank you for such a generous comment. We do work hard to regularly publish on art from beyond Europe and the US though there is so much more to be done, please have a look at our most recent videos and essays here: smarthistory.org/just-published/ Are you familiar with our regional content here?: smarthistory.org/the-art-of-africa/ smarthistory.org/americas-before-1900/ smarthistory.org/asia/ smarthistory.org/islamic/ smarthistory.org/art-oceania/

[@StarCrusher.]

I like this interpretation. Does this mean the painter really wanted to criticise his patrons? Did they know? That's quite a bold move for 75 dollars (which was probably a lot), haha.

[@maple1255]

Adjusted for inflation, this painting for which George Innis was paid $75, this from an inflation calculator ... What cost $75 in 1857 would cost $2493.5 in 2023. Also, if you were to buy exactly the same products in 2023 and 1857, they would cost you $75 and $2.24 respectively.

[@Nolanthegardener]

75$ what a bargain!

[@Blaze92NL]

Where is Dr Zucker? 🥹

[@smarthistory-art-history]

I was taking photos as Bryan and Beth recorded this one.

[@YouTube_is_trash_365]

Honestly I didn’t care for their interpretation. I feel the artist was impressed by the technological wonder of steam power and its accompanying novel buildings. I feel he wished to show us landscape that is in the process of tremendous change. An active, living landscape if you will. Just as train is leaving for its journey, so is the town leaving its agricultures roots behind as it transforms into an economic power house of a new age.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

While your thoughts on the painting are of course valid and important in their own right, and there is clearly a celebration of the train and the roundhouse, the interpretations voiced on the video are based on their study of the artist and the positions held by his peers. The American landscape was understood as a new Eden-a divine gift, and its deforestation was an explicit topic of concern and debate.