Palisades on the Hudson

“Palisades on the Hudson” by George Inness captures the majestic sweep of the Hudson River from atop the rocky cliffs of New Jersey’s Palisades. The composition leads the viewer’s eye from the detailed foreground of craggy ledges and vibrant greenery down to the serene river below, dotted with steamboats and distant sailboats. The expanse of sky above is alive with soft, dynamic cloud formations that balance the sturdy landmasses. With his signature blend of realism and atmospheric mood, Inness evokes both the grandeur of the American landscape and the tranquility of nature untouched. This work embodies the spirit of the Hudson River School—infused with a personal, almost spiritual stillness.