[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL OF PAINTING

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                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the Hudson 
River School of Painting. The Hudson River School is the first American 
art movement. Begun in the early 1800s, the movement comprised three 
themes of American life at the time--discovery, exploration, and 
settlement. The style originally focused on landscape paintings of the 
Hudson River Valley and surrounding areas, before expanding to the 
nearby Catskill, Adirondack, and White Mountain ranges, eventually 
including locales far outside this narrow slice of upstate New York.
  One of the Hudson River School's leading painters, Sanford Robinson 
Gifford, served in the New York State National Guard's Seventh Regiment 
during the Civil War. Mustered into service in defense of the Union, 
the Seventh Regiment's stay while in Virginia inspired Gifford to paint 
several scenes of the enlisted life. One of these paintings, ``Bivouac 
of the Seventh Regiment, Arlington Heights, Virginia,'' captures a 
scene at the heart of Virginia's 8th Congressional District.
  The legacy of the Hudson River School, however, is much greater than 
the paintings hanging on museum and gallery walls across the nation. 
These paintings, depicting historical landscapes across our country, 
captured the hearts of the American people. The majestic landscapes, 
seen by millions of Americans, fueled an interest in the conservation 
movement as the public demanded that many of the sites depicted by the 
Hudson River School be preserved for future generations. This 
conservation movement quickly led to the establishment of the first 
national park in 1872, giving rise to the creation of the National Park 
Service in 1916. Hundreds of millions of visitors travel, explore, and 
enjoy these parks every year.
  Adding to the legacy of the Hudson River School is New York's 
Metropolitan Museum of Art. This landmark cultural institution was 
established with the help of artists from the Hudson River School of 
Painting, including Mr. Gifford. In addition to donating time, funds, 
and some paintings, these Hudson River School artists served as 
trustees and committee members.
  Mr. Speaker, the impact of the Hudson River School is much greater 
than simply beautiful paintings of the mountainous river valley in New 
York. Its legacy can be found in our National Park system, our 
commitment to conservation and in our museums and cultural institutions 
enjoyed and appreciated by Americans all over the country.

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