High Point: Shandaken Mountains

Asher Brown Durand

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Landscape painting depicting a serene scene. A river with rocks and boulders runs through the foreground. Cows are crossing the river on a natural bridge of rocks. Two people are sitting on the right bank of the river. Trees line the riverbanks. Mountains are in the background under a blue sky with white and gray clouds. The mountains are hazy and have a rounded shape. The overall color palette is muted with shades of green, brown, and blue. The composition is divided into thirds with the river and mountains forming the main elements. The style is realistic with attention to detail. The scene appears peaceful and idyllic.