[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


HONORING JOHN FREDERICK KENSETT AND THE HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL OF PAINTING

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                          HON. JAMES A. HIMES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2011

  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a recent 
event in the Capitol Visitors Center. Two paintings, ``Discovery of the 
Hudson River'' and ``Entrance into Monterey'' by Albert Bierstadt, have 
been placed in the Capitol complex after years in the Members' 
staircase in the House. These works are part of the Hudson River School 
of painting, a movement that influenced not only American art, but our 
culture and environment as well.
  The Hudson River School was dedicated to an accurate depiction of 
landscapes, particularly emphasizing the untouched beauty of the land. 
Ultimately, these beautifully represented panoramas helped influence 
the environmental conservation movement and were used in 1916 to 
support the creation of the National Park Service.
  John Frederick Kensett, a member of this first indigenous American 
school of painting, has ties to my district. Born in Connecticut, John 
Frederick Kensett worked as an engraver before traveling to Europe and 
the American West to study and paint. However, he is best known for the 
works he did upon his return to my state. The light-filled landscapes 
of the coast of Contentment Island became Kensett's signature.
  Kensett's contributions to both art and culture are lasting. He was 
chosen by President Buchanan to serve on the only United States Capitol 
Art Commission to supervise the decorations of this very building 
during renovations in 1859. He also assisted with the foundation of the 
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which continues to be one 
of the most prominent cultural institutions in the United States. 
Inspired by the Hudson River School's founder, Thomas Cole, Kensett was 
commonly seen as Cole's successor as the leader to this important 
movement.
  I encourage everyone to make time to appreciate these paintings and 
the legacy of the Hudson River School.

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