What does “landscape” mean?
In art, “landscape” refers to a genre that depicts scenes of nature, including natural scenery like mountains, valleys, trees, rivers, and forests, often showing the relationship between humans and nature. The term can also apply to depictions of rural or natural settings in visual art, where nature is the central subject.

When did landscape emerge as a genre in Western culture?
Landscape as a distinct genre began to emerge in Western culture during the Renaissance period (14th-17th centuries), but it wasn’t yet considered a standalone genre. Initially, landscapes were often part of religious or historical paintings, serving as backgrounds. It wasn’t until the 17th century, particularly in the Netherlands, that landscape painting started to gain recognition as an independent genre, moving away from religious themes.

When did classical landscapes emerge as a genre?
Classical landscapes, influenced by Ancient Greek and Roman ideals, began to take shape during the 16th and 17th centuries. The classical landscape was rooted in a sense of harmony, balance, and idealized nature. It was during the Baroque period (1600-1750) that the classical landscape genre reached its peak with artists like Claude Lorrain and Nicolas Poussin, whose works often depicted idealized, calm, and peaceful rural scenes.

What prompted the rise of Landscape Art during the late 18th/19th century?
The rise of landscape art in the late 18th and 19th centuries can be attributed to several cultural, social, and intellectual shifts:

1. The Enlightenment: Intellectual movements in Europe emphasized reason, science, and the study of nature, leading to a greater appreciation of the natural world.
2. Romanticism: The Romantic movement (late 18th–mid 19th century) glorified nature as a source of beauty, mystery, and emotional expression, which spurred an increase in landscape painting.
3. Industrial Revolution: As the Industrial Revolution began transforming urban environments, artists began to seek solace and inspiration in nature, reflecting on the contrast between industrialization and the natural world.
4. Tourism and the Grand Tour: Wealthy Europeans, especially the English, traveled across Europe and visited scenic areas, which led to an increased demand for landscape art as souvenirs.
5. Scientific Exploration: Advancements in exploration and natural sciences prompted interest in documenting the natural environment, inspiring both artists and photographers.

When did landscape photography originate?
Landscape photography began in the mid-19th century, around the 1830s and 1840s. One of the earliest pioneers of landscape photography was Hill and Adamson, who began working in Scotland in the 1840s. The first significant strides in landscape photography are also attributed to photographers like Carleton Watkins and Ansel Adams, especially in the United States, where the natural beauty of the western states was captured. The invention of the daguerreotype in 1839, followed by advancements in photographic technology, made it possible to capture detailed, realistic images of nature.