Merced River, Cliffs, Autumn, Yosemite Valley, California

Accession Number
1987/1.172

Title
Merced River, Cliffs, Autumn, Yosemite Valley, California

Artist(s)
Ansel Adams

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1939; printed 1980

Medium & Support
gelatin silver print on paper

Dimensions
15 11/16 in x 19 1/2 in (39.85 cm x 49.53 cm);22 1/16 in x 28 1/8 in (56.04 cm x 71.44 cm);26 1/8 in x 32 1/8 in (66.36 cm x 81.6 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Harry H. Lunn, Jr.

Subject matter
In this photograph, a calm river winds through the center of the frame, its banks lined with trees. The light autumn foliage and black branches are mirrored in the glassy stillness of the river’s surface. Looming above the tranquil scene of the foreground, a wall of stratified granite fills the entirety of the frame, the craggy veins and fissures of its surface providing a stark contrast to the smoothness of the water below. The sharp focus of the photograph renders the textures of each natural element in an opulent clarity, and creates a shimmering, almost crystalline appearance to the scene.

Physical Description
This photograph depicts a river lined by trees, while a granite cliff fills the background of the image. 

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
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Keywords
California
Yosemite Valley
autumn
cliffs
granite (rock)
modern and contemporary art
national parks
nature photography
riverbanks
rivers
trees

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted