When Jasper Cropsey painted Autumn – On the Hudson River, he set out to create a breathtaking vista to promote the idea of American grandeur and vast potential. Like Breezing Up (A Fair Wind) by Winslow Homer, it was meant to be optimistic and suggest endless possibilities. Ironic, since it was painted one year before the Civil War started.

We’ll find out how Cropsey’s talent took him from a Staten Island farm to meeting royalty at St. James Palace and his connection to an elevated railway in Manhattan.

See the artwork at https://alonglookpodcast.com/autumn-on-the-hudson-river-by-jasper-cropsey/

SHOW NOTES (TRANSCRIPT)

“A Long Look” theme is “Ascension” by Ron Gelinas youtu.be/jGEdNSNkZoo

Episode theme is “Kiss Inflation” by Doctor Turtle. https://doctorturtle.bandcamp.com/ 

Artwork information https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46474.html

American Paintings of the Nineteenth Century: Part I (PDF) https://www.nga.gov/content/dam/ngaweb/research/publications/pdfs/american-paintings-19th-century-part-1.pdf

Jasper Cropsey information http://www.newingtoncropsey.com/JFCropsey.html

Gilbert Elevated Railway information https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/realestate/01scap-001.html

Ever Rest information http://www.newingtoncropsey.com/EverRest.html