Devil's Gate, Weber Cañon
Classification
landscapes
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Gilbert White Rose and Henry Martin Rose II
Accession Number
1945-69-9359
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Thomas Moran's *Devil's Gate, Cañon* (1874) captures the dramatic ruggedness of Utah's Weber Canyon, a pivotal site during the American West's expansion. Born in Britain and later a key figure in American art, Moran1837–1926) was renowned for his luminous landscapes that celebrated the nation's untamed wilderness. This painting depicts Devil's Gate, a striking natural rock formation that served as a challenging landmark for the Union Pacific Railroad's construction in the 1860s, symbolizing triumph over formidable terrain. As a member of the Hudson River School, Moran infused his works with r...