Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) immigrated to Massachusetts from Germany as a child. After an art apprenticeship in Germany, he returned to America to paint vast and lavish landscapes of the West. He joined explorations of the westward expansion and painted the beauty discovered.

Bierstadt had a reverence for the land and with others promoted preservation, conservation and stewardship. He believed these values could be held within the concept of manifest destiny as the land was claimed and changed. It is said his work was funded by love as wealthy patrons shipped his art east to impress those who had not traveled west. His romantic vistas were political statements for conservation against any arguments for greedy access and development.

Albert Bierstadt died suddenly in 1902. The popularity of his work had died before him as his large, idyllic scenes fell from favor. Gratefully they were saved and are displayed in museums around the world.

In the work of this artist, we can see the glory of God in sky and land and can almost hear God calling both good. Thanks be to God our creator and the art  God inspired. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church