Chapter Two. Erasing The Dutch: The Critical Reception Of Hudson Valley Dutch Architecture, 1670–1840

Abstract

Before the mid eighteenth century, attitudes toward Hudson Valley architecture were generally positive and from the second half of the nineteenth century, the Dutch Colonial developed a broad following in America. However, during a crucial period from the middle of the eighteenth century to the mid nineteenth century the building style was widely disparaged. This was when much early architecture was demolished or left to fall into ruin. Looking at the critical reception of early architecture throws light on the declining critical fortunes of traditional architecture in the face of the rising taste for classical forms. During this negative period, there was also a growing distaste for the persistent clannishness and perceived peculiarity of the Americans themselves. This chapter shares a word about Washington Irving, who is a key transitional figure in the matter of the critical fortunes of the and their built environment. Keywords:America; Colonial; Hudson Valley architecture; Washington Irving