Accession Number
1984/1.270

Title
Redwoods, Bull Creek Flat, Northern California

Artist(s)
Ansel Adams

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1960; printed 1980

Medium & Support
gelatin silver print on paper

Dimensions
14 15/16 in x 19 in (38 cm x 48.3 cm);26 1/8 in x 32 1/8 in (66.3 cm x 81.6 cm);22 1/8 in x 28 1/8 in (56.2 cm x 71.5 cm);15 1/4 in x 19 5/16 in (38.7 cm x 49.1 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Harry H. Lunn, Jr. in honor of Professor James Robertson

Subject matter
This photograph represents the edge of a redwood forest. A line of sunlit trees faces the viewer like the columns to an ancient temple, while the forest beyond is enveloped in deep shadow. Faintly visible, the bodies of other redwoods extend vertically behind, shaded in the darkness cast by their canopy. The photograph is mainly composed of the sharp vertical lines made by the towering trees. Twisting up the central tree, leaves seem to spiral upwards around its trunk. The undergrowth below is rich with sprouting plants and infant trees. The image’s sharp focus renders the surface of the plants and woods in a rich flora opulence. The rough textures of the bark, the clusters of redwood needles contrast with the silken darkness of the forest beyond.  

Physical Description
This photograph depicts the edge of a forest, which is composed of a line of trees.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
forests (plant communities)
leaves (plant components)
modern and contemporary art
nature photography
redwood (plants)
state parks
trees
woods
woods (plant communities)