Auctioneer Practice Exam

What was the first American school of early painting?

1. Hudson River Valley Schools

2. Rocky Mountain Impressionists

3. New England School

4. California Plein Air Painters

The correct answer is: Hudson River Valley Schools

The Hudson River Valley School is recognized as the first American school of early painting, emerging in the mid-19th century. This movement consisted primarily of a group of artists who were influenced by the natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley and surrounding areas. The artists focused on landscape painting, often emphasizing the picturesque and sublime qualities of nature. Their work was characterized by a romanticized depiction of American scenery and a deep appreciation for the wilderness, which played a significant role in shaping the American landscape tradition. The Hudson River Valley School is notable for its contributions to the development of American art, distinguishing itself by focusing on themes of nature and national identity. Artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church were pivotal, using their works to express the grandeur of the American landscape and fostering a heightened awareness of environmental preservation. This aspect of the movement set it apart from later schools such as the Rocky Mountain Impressionists, New England School, and California Plein Air Painters, which emerged in different contexts and with different influences.