ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Frederic Church's America: An Aspiration, Not an Entity

opinion-review · 2026-06-15

The Atlantic examines Frederic Church's emergence in the American art scene of the 1840s, characterizing it as more of a goal than a reality. At that time, exceptional painting was viewed as the territory of Europe, with American collectors favoring European artworks. Additionally, numerous skilled American artists seized the first chance to relocate to Europe.

Key facts

  • Frederic Church entered the American art world in the 1840s.
  • The American art world was described as 'more an aspiration than an entity'.
  • Great painting was considered Europe's bailiwick.
  • American collectors bought European art.
  • Many talented American painters emigrated to Europe.

Entities

Artists

  • Frederic Church

Institutions

  • The Atlantic

Locations

  • United States
  • Europe

Sources