Submitted by Elizabeth Jacks, Jul 12, 2007 10:23

In light of the understandable regret with which New York has relinquishing its treasure, Asher B. Durand's 1849 painting "Kindred Spirits", I would like to offer some consolation: the view that Durand captured on his canvas is still in New York. Those beloved waterfalls, rocky crags and the deep gorge known as Kaaterskill Clove are a mere two-hour drive from mid-town and within a few miles of the building in which I write this letter, Thomas Cole's former home at Cedar Grove. I also take heart from the public display of affection for this painting. If the sale of Durand's "Kindred Spirits" had occurred 40 years ago, the public might not have heard much about it. Only seven years ago, Thomas Cole's home and studio had a questionable future. Now, meticulously restored, they exemplify the resurgence of interest in the Hudson River School. In 2005, Cedar Grove published a brochure (and subsequently a website: www.thomascole.org/trail) which locates the exact places where the views in many Hudson River School paintings can still be seen. These views are treasures that cannot be carted away, but they must be considered valuable in order to survive. May the sale of "Kindred Spirits" make us value the treasures that we have. This season, visitors to the area can also see Durand's paintings at yet another Durand exhibition, here at Cedar Grove in Catskill, New York, on view through October 28th, 2007.

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