Mountain of the Holy Cross, Colorado
Classification
landscapes
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Gilbert White Rose and Henry Martin Rose II
Accession Number
1945-69-9346
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Thomas Moran's *Mountain of the Holy Cross Colorado* (1886) captures the awe-inspiring majesty of a rugged Rocky Mountain peak, renowned for its striking cross-shaped snow formation visible only under specific light conditions. Born in Britain and later a pivotal American artist (1837–1926), Moran was a master of luminous landscapes, aligning with the Hudson River School's celebration of untamed nature. This work exemplifies his ability to evoke the sublime wilderness of the American West, meticulous detail with dramatic atmospheric effects. Created during the Gilded Age's fervor for westward...