Works of landscape art represent more than a passive view of the physical environment. Just as characteristics of the land itself influence land use, so do the cultures of the people living in a place. In turn, the interrelationship of people and their land influences what an artist portrays in depicting a landscape.

North America is inhabited by a rich diversity of cultures. Look at the people depicted by artists in Panoramas: The North American Landscape in Art. Can you identify the cultural influence? What clues can be seen in each image that suggest the landscape that supports the culture depicted?

Click on each image to see the artwork and read caption information.