Nevada Falls, Yosemite

Albert Bierstadt

Created:
Movement:
1873
Romanticism
key Notes:
Majestic landscape; Luminous realism
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Dimensions:
39 × 30 in. (99.1 × 76.2 cm) Framed: 48 1/16 x 39 x 5 1/16 in. (122 x 99.1 x 12.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Nevada Falls, Yosemite" is a painting by American artist Albert Bierstadt, created in 1872 or 1873. The work depicts the dramatic landscape of Yosemite National Park, showcasing the iconic waterfall surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush vegetation. Bierstadt was known for his large-scale landscapes that captured the grandeur of the American West, and this painting exemplifies his romanticized vision of nature. The artist traveled to Yosemite in the early 1870s, where he was inspired by the region's natural beauty. "Nevada Falls, Yosemite" reflects Bierstadt's technique of using light and shadow to create depth and atmosphere. The painting is part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Specific details regarding its exhibition history or provenance are not widely documented.

Description of the work:

"Nevada Falls, Yosemite" by Albert Bierstadt is an oil on canvas painting created in 1872 or 1873. The composition features a dramatic depiction of the waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering trees. Bierstadt employs a vibrant color palette, utilizing rich greens and blues to convey the natural beauty of the Yosemite landscape. The play of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the scene, with sunlight illuminating the water and creating a sense of movement. The painting reflects Bierstadt's characteristic attention to detail and his ability to evoke the grandeur of the American wilderness. The expansive sky, filled with soft clouds, adds to the overall sense of tranquility and majesty in the work. The scale of the waterfall is emphasized by the surrounding landscape, inviting viewers to appreciate the sublime qualities of nature.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Nevada Falls, Yosemite