The artwork, titled “The Lackawanna Valley,” was created by George Inness in 1855. This landscape painting is a notable example of the Tonalism art movement.
The artwork depicts a vast, serene valley with gently rolling hills and lush greenery. Dominating the scene is a solitary tree in the foreground, standing tall with its branches slightly swayed. To the left of the tree, a figure dressed in red is seated, adding a touch of human presence to the otherwise natural landscape. In the mid-ground, a steam locomotive with billowing white smoke indicates the encroachment of industrialization. The background is composed of misty, blue-tinted mountains under a clear sky. The entire composition exudes a sense of tranquil beauty, juxtaposed with the signs of human advancement. This harmonious blend of natural and industrial elements embodies the essence of the Tonalism movement, characterized by its focus on atmosphere and mood.
