When the Group of Seven was founded in 1920, the artists hoped for recognition of their works and ideas. In the catalog to their first exhibition, they actually invited adverse criticism -- only because what they feared most was indifference. At a time when Canada was coming into its own, they felt that a major factor in the development of a strong and healthy nation was a vi tall and relevant art. They hoped that their works would make a significant contribution to the evolution of a truly Canadian art tradition. Therefore, be hind the Group's desire to paint the Canadian landscape lay the genuine con eviction that it was the northern landscape that represented and expressed the country's unique character. It was this concept that was to capture the image nation of so many Canadians. Today there is every indication that the Group attained its goals. These artists achieved widespread popular success and acclaim, and their works have been honored with exhibitions, degrees, and medals reproduction of their works can be found on everything from posters to postage stamps. As frequently happens with popular trends, there has been a tendency to romanticize the accomplishments of the Group, which has inevitably caused many misconceptions to develop. The most common of these is the popular belief that the Group of Seven was violently criticized in the first Group shows. However, the truth of the matter is that the reviews for these early shows were nearly all favorable. What does the passage mainly discuss?