In American landscape painting, Luminism was a popular style of painting between the 1850s-1870s. It was characterised by the accentuated if not theatrical effects of light in landscapes. The intention was undoubtedly to convey a poetic if not sublime atmosphere as further enhanced through the use of aerial perspective. Furthermore, the style was non-pastose by a polished finish that hid all visible brushstrokes.
It is related to Impressionism though it was more academic painting with some extra liberties. Leading luminists were Fitz Hugh Lane (1804-1865), Martin J. Heade (1819-1904), Jasper Francis Cropsey (1823-1900), John F. Kensett (1816-1872), and Frederick E. Church (1826-1900). Luminist painting should not be confused with luminous paint.
