Sunrise on the Matterhorn
Albert Bierstadt, after 1875
About this artwork
Albert Bierstadt's *Sunrise on the Matter*, created after 1875, the dramatic majesty of the Swiss Alps at dawn, a subject that reflects the artist's fascination with monumental landscapes. A leading figure in the Hudson River School, Bierstadt was renowned for his luminous, romantic depictions of nature's sublime power, often blending American wilderness traditions with European grandeur. This oil on canvas exemplifies his ability to evoke awe through glowing light effects, portraying the iconic Matterhorn peak bathed in the soft hues of sunrise—a nod to the era's growing American engagement with international scenery amid expanding transatlantic travel. Measuring an impressive 58½ × 42⅝ inches, the painting's large scale draws viewers into its immersive vista, heightening the emotional impact typical of Bierstadt's technical mastery. Oil on canvas allowed him to layer pigments for rich texture, subtle color transitions, and radiant luminosity, techniques honed through his European training and expeditions. These methods not only showcased atmospheric depth but also symbolized the era's optimism about nature's divine beauty. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing since a 1966 gift, this work highlights post-1875 American art's evolution—establishing national visual identities while dialoguing with European Romanticism. It preserves Bierstadt's legacy, inviting us to ponder humanity's place amid towering peaks.