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Natural Bridge, Friday, July 9, 2021 12:00PM
Event Summary
VIRTUAL PROGRAM: Curators at Work
Additional Details
Item details
Date
Friday, July 9, 2021 12:00PM
Name
Natural Bridge
,
Public/Member - Stream Live
Description
Thomas Jefferson purchased Natural Bridge from the king of England in 1774 in order to guarantee its preservation. When he encouraged Americans and Europeans to view “so beautiful an arch,” seemingly innumerable travelers and artists journeyed to Rockbridge County. Today, Natural Bridge no longer attracts such attention. Why?
This presentation explains how in Jefferson’s era a revolutionary change was taking place in the way that art and nature should be viewed. Interest shifted from the beauty of the object to the emotional response of the viewer. The term “romantic” is often used to describe this appeal to the emotions. As Americans and Europeans yearned to acknowledge the presence of natural forces that they cannot control, Natural Bridge held enormous appeal. This shift in sensibilities explains the intriguing history of Virginia’s most famous landmark.
This program will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube on Friday July 9 at noon.