Images conjure up strong feelings. This painting by Albert Bierstadt is titled “Among the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California.” It was painted in 1868. Bierstadt was strongly influenced by Thomas Cole and the Hudson River school of painters. Think back to what you have learned about American artists and writers in the mid-1800s. What types of feelings and ideas did they tend to focus on? How do you think works of art today are different than what was being created back then? Are people interested in the same things? Can you think of any of your favorite books, movies, video games, or other art that might be influenced by ideas like individualism, exploration, or the wonder of nature?