Abstract

This chapter discusses the concept of the picturesque in the sense of admiring nature as “picture-like” and, consequently, inauthentic. A contrasting view regarding the interpretation of the picturesque, which is more acquiescent to the contemporary love of wildness and environmental philosophy, is presented and explored through the works of Price and Watelet. In reassessing the picturesque, six themes are identified in their works, namely, variety, intricacy, engagement, time, chance, and transition. This alternative view of the picturesque shows that, contrary to the belief that it forced a “picture-like” representation of nature, it actually acted as a guide toward a new appreciation of wildness. The current interest in preserving pristine wilderness or rural landscapes represents a current interest in wild nature.