The Empire of the Eye: Landscape Representation and American Cultural Politics, 1825-1875

by Angela Miller

Miller examines the content of nineteenth century American Landscape painting for cultural meaning. Instead of merely reflecting the ideological concepts of the time, the author holds that the paintings themselves formed the basis for much of America's dialogue on issues, such as nationalism, during the last century. Miller argues the painting is an act and paintings as a result were the ground upon which central debates concerning progress and conservation, region and nation, masculine and feminine, were formulated, refined, and presented to the public.

In her study, Miller discerned several patterns appearing in the works, many having to do with the reinterpretation of nature, its transformation, and its eventual feminization. It is an investigation of the interplay between the domesticated landscape depicted on canvas and the Whig ideal of social order, as well as the voices dissenting from the myth of nationalist hegemony in the landscape. The author's analysis of a number of paintings challenges the longstanding interpretations or provides strikingly fresh insights.

Genres: Academic, Art History

298 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

Reviews

[Erica]

Currently reading this gem again, because it was suggested to me by a publisher that it's similar in feel and style to my own work. LOVED me that compliment! Pouring through Miller's work with a new lens, and finding new delights. Also reawakening me to its eminent teachability in my upcoming "Nature and Nation" seminar.

...Loved it again for all the same, plus additional reasons. Just fabulous art history--and as is rare, equally fabulous on the "art" and the "history" side. The gold standard for this sort of work (on empire, cultures of empire, vision and art in mid-19th century America, all of it).