To research landscapes in art history, start by defining your focus (e.g., a specific artist, era, or region). Landscape art in history reflects societal values through its depiction of nature, offering insights into cultural attitudes, economic conditions, and spiritual beliefs. Romantic landscapes, for instance, often symbolized a yearning for the sublime, while pastoral scenes conveyed idyllic notions of rural life. Industrialization and urbanization led to shifts in landscape representation, mirroring changing perspectives on nature. Additionally, colonial landscapes often reinforced power dynamics and conquest. By studying these visual representations, art historians unveil layers of meaning, revealing how landscapes served as mirrors to society's aspirations, fears, and evolving relationships with the natural world.
Start with LibrarySearch, and then dive into these art-specific databases to find scholarship on landscapes in art history and visual culture:
