Storm in Umbria

Between 1867 and 1875, Elihu Vedder painted numerous scenes of Umbria, a region in central Italy that lies roughly halfway between Rome and Florence. These works integrate characteristic features of the area—wide basins and river valleys flanked by the Umbrian-Marchigian Apennine mountain range—with pastoral details such as goatherds and dramatic atmospheric effects. Since the early 19th century, numerous American artists had traveled to Italy to further their artistic educations and to experience the history of European art. Vedder continued this tradition by finding inspiration in Italy’s varied landscape and rich traditions.