Viewing Locations: Heart of the Andes

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Exhibit

Frederic Edwin Church's Heart of the Andes, a marvel of Romanticism, graces the halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This masterpiece on canvas stretches almost ten feet wide, offering viewers a captivating expanse of an Andean landscape.

The Met enhances the painting's presentation, setting it against a backdrop that complements its scale and complexity. This approach echoes its original 1859 exhibition, where Church staged the painting in a darkened room, spotlighted to create a theatrical view.

In the American Wing, visitors can appreciate the ongoing restoration efforts that preserve Church's vibrant hues and delicate brushstrokes. The museum also provides digital resources, allowing patrons to explore high-resolution images and background information.

As daylight filters through the skylights, the ambiance encourages reflection. From art enthusiasts to casual museum-goers, viewers find themselves drawn into the painting's detailed landscape, much as Church intended.

This New York City-based exhibit continues to inspire wonder, offering a rich experience that extends beyond the painting's gilded frame.

SPECTACLE: Olana State Historic Site

At the Olana State Historic Site, Frederic Church's legacy takes on new life through the "SPECTACLE" exhibition. This innovative display reimagines Heart of the Andes as a dynamic experience, echoing the theatrical flair of its 1859 debut.

The exhibition blends art and technology, using immersive video to draw viewers into Church's landscape. This modern approach mirrors Church's original technique of darkening the room and encouraging the use of opera glasses, allowing today's visitors to explore the painting's intricate details with vivid clarity.

Olana's presentation brings the Andean terrain and lush vegetation to life, enveloping visitors in a multi-dimensional story. This contemporary twist infuses the space with energy, echoing Church's intention to convey nature's majesty.

As guests wander through Olana, they may find themselves reflecting on Church's inspirations, from Humboldt's eloquent descriptions to the rugged beauty of South America. "SPECTACLE" encourages a fresh perspective on Heart of the Andes, making it a noteworthy experience for art, history, and nature enthusiasts alike.

The exhibition runs through March 24th at Olana State Historic Site on NY 9-G in Hudson. More information can be found online.

Historical Display Techniques

The original exhibition of Frederic Edwin Church's Heart of the Andes in 1859 showcased innovative presentation methods that transformed art appreciation into an immersive experience. Despite limited technology, Church curated an event that still resonates with art lovers and historians today.

Church's Innovative Presentation:

Dimly-lit gallery with strategic spotlighting on the painting

Framed the painting with draped fabrics
Encouraged use of opera glasses for closer examination

These deliberate choices were strategies to make Church's work stand out in New York's bustling art scene. By focusing on presentation as much as content, he created a pioneering event that set a standard for engaging viewers.

"Human beings undergo a transformation in cases like this. There is a real metamorphosis from being a rugby player to becoming a survivor of a plane crash. I believe people have that potential." – Roberto Canessa, MD

While this quote is unrelated to Church's exhibit, it reflects the transformative power of immersive experiences, which Church aimed to create with his innovative display techniques.

Church's exhibition became an early precursor to today's interactive exhibits, inspiring contemporary curators to explore innovative ways of connecting art with audiences. The legacy of this original display serves as a testament to Church's visionary approach to art presentation.

Frederic Edwin Church's "Heart of the Andes" remains a testament to his passion for capturing nature's splendor. This artwork continues to inspire awe, bridging past and present through its immersive presentation and precise detail.

Key Facts about Heart of the Andes:

Completed in 1859
Oil on canvas, measuring 66 1/8 x 119 1/4 inches (168 x 302.9 cm)

Contains over 100 identifiable plant species across 5 separate environmental zones
Originally sold for $10,000, the highest price for any work by a living American artist at the time
Now permanently displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing

Church's meticulous attention to botanical accuracy and his ability to transmit the grandeur of the natural world are evident in this piece. The use of light and shadow, as well as the depth of detailing in the painting, create a vivid and immersive experience that encapsulates the artist's vision of the sublime landscape in the heart of South America.

Harvey EJ. The Civil War and American Art. Yale University Press; 2012.
Avery KJ. Church's Great Picture, The Heart of the Andes. Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin. 1993;51(4):1-56.