Grand Canyon of Yellowstone - Thomas Moran

The painting Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone by Thomas Moran, painted in 1872, captures the vastness and splendor of the Yellowstone National Park landscape, becoming an icon of American landscape art. Moran, as a prominent member of the "Hudson River School", specialized in portraying nature as a sublime force, using light and color dramatically to evoke the sense of the divine on earth.

In this work, the contrast between the golden cliffs and deep shadows reflects his skill in playing with the luminosity and textures of the environment, while the curve of the river guides the viewer’s gaze into the depth of the landscape. The geological precision Moran employs not only demonstrates a deep knowledge of the terrain, but also aligns with the interests of the era, when explorers of the American West used art to document natural wonders.

This painting was instrumental in convincing the United States Congress to preserve Yellowstone as the country’s first national park.