1837 -1926 · Grand Canyon, Colorado River and American sublime

Explore Thomas Moran's Grand Canyon: Cliffs, Chasms, Rain and Sunset transform Colorado's geology into a monumental landscape.

Thomas Moran discovered the American West as a draftsman, watercolorist and painter nourished by Turner's example. After the Yellowstone expedition in 1871, in 1873 he accompanied John Wesley Powell's geological mission in the Grand Canyon and Colorado River region. In the field, he draws reliefs, strata, cliffs and atmospheric effects; he also uses photographs and records of expeditions. In the workshop, these documents become vast compositions which amplify the scale without losing geological credibility. In the workshop, these documents become vast compositions which amplify the scale without losing geological credibility. In the workshop, these documents become vast compositions which amplify the scale without losing geological credibility. In the workshop, these documents become vast compositions which amplify the scale without losing geological credibility. The Colorado Chasm places the eye on the edge of an abyss of colored rocks, crossed by light. Zoroaster Peak transforms a precise formation at an almost mythical summit. A rainy day and sunsets show that the canyon is not a still mass: mist, rain, ray and shadow constantly renew its depths. Moran thus contributes to giving a lasting visual form to the great sites of the West. A faithful reproduction must preserve the successive planes, mineral colors and transparency of the atmosphere. The selection "Grand Canyon and Colorado by Thomas Moran" notably compares The Colorado Chasm and A Rainy Day by Thomas Moran" notably compares The Colorado Chasm and A Rainy Day, Grand Canyon. Its reading favors color.

Moran does not reduce the canyon to its topography: he sets geology in motion through mist, color and light.