In connection with the (very interesting) series on the Role of Imagery on Popular Landscape Tourism, I’d like to add a reference to Prof. David Halle’s work. In his book: “Inside Culture, Art and Class in the American Home” (1993) he dwells on results from his research on the kind of pictures displayed on the homes of upper income and working-class families in New York City. He found that, irrespective of class distinctions, landscapes are, by far, the most frequent. Within landscape representations, “calm” and “unpeopled” landscapes were most favored. As to why landscapes and not portraits or inside scenes, not much by way of explanations are offered there. The following quote might be interesting:

“Whether landscape pictures are viewed as an easy substitute for the real experience of nature as a leisure activity or as evoking actual experiences, what is wanted in fact, and therefore in depiction, is a landscape that is calm and serene, free of excessive rain, wind or turbulence that might mar the enjoyment of the spectator or participant”

I haven’t been able to find similar studies or observations for other countries. Since this group is fairly inter-national I was hoping that some members might have some info of their countries. In the meantime, the assertion “landscape paintings or photos are the most favored pictures for displaying on home’s walls” remains unsubstantiated.