The Land Through a Lens : Highlights from the Smithsonian American Art Museum

by Andy Grundberg

Beautiful photography of America Smithsonian American Art Museum (2003)

Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlights of landscape photography from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Beautifully rendered photographs on a full page with a brief essay about the photo on the facing page. The book is organized alphabetically by the photographer's name (with "unidentified artist" under 'U'"). This might seem chaotic (for example, a 1982 photo of the New Jersey Meadowlands and Manhattan skyline is followed by an 1872 albumen print of Yosemite Valley), but instead it has the effect of focusing full attention on each individual photograph.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite done with reading, but writing style is very readable and informative. Lots of large color photos of paintings are included, some printed in black and white. Helpful to learn what other artists were working in the vicinity at the time of Hopper's work, as well as the various public events and Congressional regulations that were passed relating to the subjects he was painting.

It has also been interesting to see how (over time) and who helped him promote his career, since he seemed so totally unsuited to the gym ask.