Auctioneer Practice Exam

Where did the Hudson River Valley School artists predominantly focus their work?

1. Urban landscapes

2. Seascapes

3. Natural landscapes

4. Portraits of local inhabitants

The correct answer is: Natural landscapes

The Hudson River Valley School artists predominantly focused their work on natural landscapes. This group of artists, active in the mid-19th century, was primarily concerned with the depiction of the American wilderness, particularly the Hudson River Valley and surrounding regions. They sought to capture the beauty of the natural environment, emphasizing the sublime qualities of the American landscape. Their works often featured dramatic scenery, expansive skies, and serene water settings, which conveyed a sense of awe and reverence for nature. This focus on landscapes also aligned with the broader Romantic movement of the time, which celebrated nature and the individual's emotional response to it.