Mount Corcoran

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: Mount Corcoran, painted by Albert Bierstadt sometime between 1870 and 1880. This majestic landscape, currently housed in the National Gallery of Art, transports us to the dramatic beauty of the American West. nn Bierstadt masterfully captures the awe-inspiring scale of the mountain, which dominates the canvas with its snow-capped peak piercing the clouds. Notice how he uses light and shadow to create depth and dimension. The peak, bathed in sunlight, stands in stark contrast to the shadowed foreground, emphasizing the mountain's grandeur. nn The serene lake in the foreground mirrors the sky and surrounding landscape, creating a sense of tranquility that is contrasted by the wildness of the mountain. The dark green of the towering evergreen trees on the right balances the composition and guides our eyes back to the majestic peak. Look closely, and you might spot a lone black bear strolling along the shore, a reminder of the untamed nature of this scene. nn Bierstadt was known for his grand landscapes, often depicting the American West. His paintings, filled with dramatic light and detail, helped to shape the public's perception of this region during a time of westward expansion. Mount Corcoran stands as a testament to the power and beauty of nature, reminding us of the awe-inspiring landscapes that exist beyond our cities and towns.