The Italian countryside has long been the subject of works by artists from around the world. Its sweeping vistas, at times sprinkled with ancient ruins, make for an enticing muse for artists across a variety of mediums. American artists in particular traveled to Italy throughout the 19th century not only to study great masterpieces of ancient and Renaissance art, but to also sketch and paint the campagna, or countryside, basked in a beautiful glow.

A Room with a View at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art explores the influence of the Italian campagna on artists over three centuries. See it until November 7.

Image Credit: Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848). An Italian Autumn, ca. 1844-45. Oil on canvas. Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Museum purchase with funds from the James C. and Virginia W. Meade Collections Endowment, the Meade Acquisition Fund, and the Beaux Arts Society Fund for Acquisitions, 2019.