Steve, that was my initial thought, especially after creating architectural renderings for many moons. I found some remarks by a docent that suggested the more 'monumental' purpose. My draughting instructor had some choice comments on 'overintellectualization' in architecture magazines, so after hearing your feedback let's go with Occam's Razor and shave off overthinking it.
Church often put people and buildings in his work for scale. His painting Niagara is a fine example of this, as are some of his huge South American canvasses.
Personally, I think the people were added to provide scale. :-)
Steve, that was my initial thought, especially after creating architectural renderings for many moons. I found some remarks by a docent that suggested the more 'monumental' purpose. My draughting instructor had some choice comments on 'overintellectualization' in architecture magazines, so after hearing your feedback let's go with Occam's Razor and shave off overthinking it.
Church often put people and buildings in his work for scale. His painting Niagara is a fine example of this, as are some of his huge South American canvasses.
https://bobkirchman.substack.com/p/frederic-edwin-church