Accession Number1988/1.91
TitleSand Dunes, Sunrise, Death Valley National Monument, California
Artist(s)Ansel AdamsArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1948; printed 1980Medium & Supportgelatin silver print on paperDimensions 17 15/16 in x 14 3/16 in (45.56 cm x 36.04 cm);28 1/8 in x 22 3/16 in (71.44 cm x 56.36 cm);32 1/4 in x 26 1/4 in (81.92 cm x 66.68 cm)
Credit LineGift of Harry H. Lunn, Jr.Subject matterTaken at dawn, this photograph shows an expanse of sand dunes in the raking morning light. The dawn illuminates the silken, windswept surface of foremost dune’s slope, while its other side remains in shadow. The two slopes of the dune meet at an exact point, which forms a sinuous, almost serpentine line that meanders vertically away from the viewer. Light spills over this ridge, softly illuminating the striated patterns in the sand. The contrast of the light and dark dunes create a composition of interlocking shapes, their hard edges abutting one another. Rising pyramid-like in the distance, another dune is enveloped in deep shadow, which lends a sense of ominous magnificence to the scene.
Physical DescriptionThe photograph depicts an expanse of sand dunes in the morning light.
Primary Object ClassificationPhotographCollection AreaPhotographyRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
California
Monuments
dawn (time of day)
desert climate
dunes
hills
modern and contemporary art
natural landscapes
nature photography
sand areas
sandy deserts
shadows