Preserving the Picturesque: Perceptions of Landscape, Landscape Art, and Land Protection in the United States and China

Aaron M. Ellison
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Aaron M. Ellison: Harvard Forest, Harvard University, 324 North Main Street, Petersham, MA 01366, USA

Land, 2014, vol. 3, issue 1, 1-22

Abstract: The predominant environmental consciousness in both the United States and China reflects an underlying sense of separation of people from nature. Likewise, traditional landscape paintings in the United States and China share a common underlying aesthetic— i.e. , the “picturesque”. Together, these similarities appear to have led to the preservation of similar types of landscapes in both countries. Because decisions regarding landscape preservation and subsequent management of preserved areas in both countries reflect aesthetic preferences more than they reflect economic values placed on ecosystem services, contemporary artists have an opportunity to help shape future societal decisions regarding what natural areas to conserve and protect.

Keywords: aesthetics; conservation; land protection; landscape art; picturesque; sublime (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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