The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Landscape Painting on Canvas • Thomas Moran
Style & Movement
Hudson River School / Rocky Mountain School / Luminism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; employed panoramic perspective, glazing for atmospheric effects, and detailed brushwork for geological textures.
Creation Period
1872
Dimensions & Format
Original: 84 x 144 inches (approx.); Landscape format. Note: This image appears to be a digital display or print of the original.
Subject Description
A monumental depiction of the Yellowstone River's canyon, featuring a dramatic waterfall (Lower Falls) framed by golden and russet thermal rock formations, misty clouds, and subalpine fir trees.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (based on the original's institutional care); The image shown is a high-resolution reproduction on a flat screen.
Estimated Market Value
Priceless / Institutional Asset (Comparable major Moran works trade for $5M - $15M+)
Auction Estimate
$10,000,000 - $20,000,000 (Theoretical)
Provenance History
Purchased by the U.S. Congress in 1872 for $10,000; currently in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Art Historical Significance
A seminal work that played a crucial role in the creation of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world. It defined the visual identity of the American West.
Notable Features
Vibrant use of yellow and sulfurous hues to represent the unique geothermal geology of the region; dramatic 'sublime' composition.
Condition Issues
The original has stable craquelure and minor historic restorations; the item in the photo is a digital screen and shows no physical damage.
Conservation Recommendations
For the original: Climate-controlled gallery environment, UV-filtered lighting. For the owner of this digital display: calibrate brightness to avoid pixel burnout.