Skip to main content

Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Ansel Adams

Artwork Details

Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
1942; printed 1980
Ansel Adams
gelatin silver print on paper
15 1/4 in x 19 3/16 in (38.74 cm x 48.74 cm);26 1/8 in x 32 1/8 in (66.36 cm x 81.6 cm);15 1/2 in x 19 9/16 in (39.37 cm x 49.69 cm);22 in x 28 in (55.88 cm x 71.12 cm)
Gift of Harry H. Lunn, Jr. in honor of Professor James Robertson
1984/1.269

On Display

Not currently on display

Description

Subject Matter:

Taken from a high vantage point, this photograph depicts a section the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The Martian-like slopes and gorges descend to unseen depths, their stratified façades hewn from eons of erosion. Small shrubs cling to the ridges and gleam brightly in the desert sun. Sharply focused, the view offers, with sumptuous clarity, the textured stratum of the canyon. Overlapping in front of one another, the cliffs recede into the far distance, eventually becoming enveloped in a hazy lightness. The photograph is composed by these overlapping ridges, which stretch horizontally across one another, the cliffs closest to the foreground retaining the richest range of tones and clarity. Despite their diversity of form and texture, the cliffs resemble one another. This disorienting spatial effect underscores the immensity of the vista and the vastness of the space represented.  

Physical Description:

Taken from a high vantage point, this photograph depicts a view of a vast desert canyon. The ridges of the canyon extend into the distance.

Usage Rights:

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