Albert Bierstadt, The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak, 1863, oil on canvas, 73.5 in x 120.75 in.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

At first glance, Albert Bierstadt's "The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak" is a monumental

landscape painting that captures the breathtaking beauty and grandeur of the American West. The

painting portrays a majestic mountain peak towering over a vast wilderness. Bierstadt’s attention

to detail and skillful use of light and color create a sense of awe and wonder. His choice to

capture the Rocky Mountains reflects the significant interest in the uncharted territories and

natural wonders of the American frontier during that time.

Bierstadt fulfills two specific roles with The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak. He makes a visual

record to capture a moment in time and place and helps us see the world in a new and innovative

way. By painting a larger-than-life view like this of the Rocky Mountains, Bierstadt gives us a

way to experience the sublime beauty of nature. Through his intricate manipulation of light and

color, he transforms the ordinary view into an extraordinary landscape, evoking a sense of awe in
the viewer. He also makes a visual record with this piece. It not only captures the landscape but

gives visual documentation of the exploration and expansion of the American West during the

time of this painting. Through his sharp use of colors and attention to detail, he provides the

viewers with a way to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, which were uncharted

territories at the time.

At first, I looked at this painting and thought it was pretty, and that was about it. However, now I

can see the sheer scale of the piece, and I now better appreciate the close attention to detail,

vibrant colors, and framing of the view. The reflections in the water, the shadows, the foliage,

and all the small details turn this piece into a magnificent landscape rather than just a view. I now

see how Bierstadt not only wanted to create a picture with a pleasant scene but aimed to transport

the viewers into the moment it was captured and evoke a strong email response to make them

appreciate and protect the natural beauty of our world.

Sources:

Sayre, Henry M, A World of Art, Pearson, 8th edition (Chapter 2, From Representation to

Abstraction)

Albert Bierstadt | The Rocky Mountains, Lander’s Peak | American | The Metropolitan Museum

of Art. (1863). The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/10154, accessed 27 May 2023