Sketch for "The Last of the Buffalo" by Albert Bierstadt
Description: The Sketch for "The Last of the Buffalo" by Albert Bierstadt serves as a preliminary study for his more famous painting of the same name. Created around 1888, this sketch captures the dramatic and evocative depiction of the buffalo herds that once roamed the American plains. The artwork portrays a dramatic and somber scene, highlighting the massive scale of the buffalo and the encroaching presence of hunters or settlers, which reflects the themes of vanishing wildlife and the impact of human expansion.
Bierstadt, a prominent member of the Hudson River School, was known for his grand landscapes and historical depictions of the American West. His work often combined meticulous detail with a romanticized vision of the American frontier.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: United States, around 1888.
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Medium: Pencil and ink on paper.
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Full Artwork Name: Sketch for "The Last of the Buffalo."
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Artwork Style: American Romanticism, Hudson River School.
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Current Location: The sketch is part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
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Subject/Topic: Preliminary study for "The Last of the Buffalo," depicting the poignant scene of the decline of the buffalo herds amidst the backdrop of American expansion.
