Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) was a German American landscape artist best known for his work in the American West. He was born in Germany and emigrated with his family to Massachusetts when he was two. He was part of the Hudson River School, known for the luminism that we see in this sky. This treatment of light seems to call all viewers to something greater – something with a source just beyond our sight. You can almost hear “divine” being whispered.

Bierstadt’s appreciation for mountain landscapes would be the focus of his life and his 500 paintings. Bierstadt spent 7 weeks in the Yosemite Valley in the 1800s. He shared spectacular views like this one with those who could not see or even imagine them.

As many of you may know, he also spent time in Colorado. His name appears in many mountain places including Mount Bierstadt which he climbed in 1863.

There were many differing conclusions drawn about his work. Some thought it was too idealized and romantic. Many others stated his art created support for early conservation movements. In these times, we pray that through his art and this conversation, inspiration may be rediscovered.

In reverence for God’s creation, we pray that our society might redefine “priceless” and “preservation” as higher values than development and profit.

We pray to be strong in God against any threats to the beauty of creation and we give thanks to Albert Bierstadt for helping us see long ago and now. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,