The Huntington Receives Gift of Thomas Moran Painting

Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

San Marino, CA

(626) 405-2141 www.huntington.org

The Huntington Receives Gift of Thomas Moran Painting

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, CA is pleased to announce the recent gift of A Mountain Stream (1869), an oil painting by the American artist Thomas Moran (1837-1926), from the late Herbert L. Herscher, M. D., who resided in Altadena, CA, and his family. The painting is now on view in the Virginia Steele Scott Gallery of American Art. This early example from the artist's oeuvre depicts a wild, mountainous landscape and storm-filled sky, probably based loosely on Moran's observations from his expeditions to Lake Superior and the Swiss Alps. The painting will serve as a illuminating comparison with Moran's Rock Towers of the Rio Virgin (1908), which is already part of the Virginia Steele Scott Collection. Although the later work portrays a distinctly arid western landscape, it shares with its eariier counterpart the marked stylistic influence of the great English Romantic painter, Joseph Mallord William Turner(1775-1851).

When A Mountain Stream arrived at The Huntington, the signature appeared to read '"Tho Moran 1869." In cleaning the painting, however, Getty Museum Conservator Mark Leonard discovered the additional term, "OP 44." In 1863 Moran began to assign numbers to his paintings, which he recorded in a handwritten opus list, as well as on many of the works themselves. This list, however, terminates with opus number 42, from November of 1868. The existence of number 44 from 1869 implies a number 43, and suggests the possibility of other unknown "opus" paintings by Moran, as well.

To exhibit this painting to its best effect, the gallery has acquired a fluted, coved frame in the Neoclassical style, dating from the early 1870s. By the 1860s, when Moran painted A Mountain Stream, this frame type was already popular, especially for the Hudson River School paintings that served as such a forceful influence on Moran's own early approach to landscape portrayal. The wood-based frame is covered with applied composition ornament, a chalk and glue mixture molded to look like carved wood and then gilded. This technique eliminated the need for laborious wood carving and became standard for most nineteenth-century frames in both America and Europe.

The Huntington's Scott Gallery is pleased to be able to offer on view important paintings from two distinct periods of Thomas Moran's career, and to have the opportunity to contribute new information on the work of this influential American landscape painter.

A sample of artwork by Thimas Moran

(above: Thomas Moran, Grand Canyon with Rainbow. 1912. Oil on canvas. de Young Art Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Gill through the Patrons of Art and Music. 1981.89. License: Scuttlebutte, CC BY-SA 4.0 Scuttlebutte, CC BY-SA 4.0. via Wikimedia Commons**)

(above: Thomas Moran, Zoroaster Temple at Sunset, oil on canvas, Phoenix Art Museum. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons*)

(above: Thomas Moran, A Snowy Mountain Range (Path of Souls, Idaho), 1896, oil on canvas, 14 x 27 inches, Denver Art Museum, The Roath Collection. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons*)

Thomas Moran, a pivotal figure in American art, is best known for his breathtaking landscape paintings of the American West. Born in England in 1837, Moran immigrated to the United States with his family as a child. He would go on to become one of the foremost landscape painters of his time, significantly contributing to the nation's appreciation and preservation of its natural wonders. Moran's paintings not only captured the beauty of the American wilderness but also played a crucial role in the development of the national park system. Understanding what Moran painted and why he did it involves examining his influences, motivations, and the broader cultural context of his work.

Early Life and Artistic Influences

Thomas Moran began his artistic career as an apprentice to a wood engraver, but his true passion lay in painting. He was inspired by the works of British artist J.M.W. Turner, whose dramatic use of light and color greatly influenced Moran's style. Moran's early works primarily consisted of illustratons and smaller landscape paintings, but his career took a defining turn when he became involved with the geological surveys of the American West.

The Yellowstone Expedition and Beyond

In 1871, Moran joined the United States Geological Survey of the Yellowstone region led by Ferdinand V. Hayden. This expedition proved to be a turning point in Moran's career. Captivated by the stunning and untamed beauty of Yellowstone, Moran created a series of sketches and paintings that would later become some of his most famous works. Paintings like "The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone" and "The Hot Springs of Gardiner's River" are celebrated for their vivid colors, dramatic compositions, and meticulous attention to detail.

Motivations and Impact

Moran's motivations for painting the American West were multifaceted. Firstly, he was driven by a deep appreciation for nature's beauty and a desire to capture its grandeur on canvas. His paintings are characterized by a sense of awe and reverence, reflecting his personal connection to the landscapes he depicted. Moran's use of light, color, and scale conveyed the sublime and often overwhelming majesty of the natural world, inviting viewers to experience these places as he did.

Secondly, Moran was motivated by a sense of national pride and a desire to contribute to the cultural and environmental preservation of the United States. His paintings of Yellowstone and other western landscapes played a pivotal role in convincing Congress to establish Yellowstone as the first national park in 1872. Moran's works were used to promote the idea of preserving America's natural wonders for future generations, highlighting the intrinsic value of these landscapes beyond their economic potential.

Artistic Legacy and Cultural Significance

Thomas Moran's legacy extends far beyond his artistic achievements. His paintings not only captured the beauty of the American West but also helped shape the nation's cultural and environmental consciousness. By portraying the grandeur and uniqueness of places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains, Moran's work inspired a sense of pride and stewardship for America's natural heritage.

Moran's influence is also evident in the broader American art scene. His ability to blend realism with romanticism set a precedent for landscape painting, and his works remain a benchmark for artists depicting the natural world. Moreover, his involvement in the national park movement underscores the power of art to effect social and environmental change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thomas Moran painted the American West to capture its unparalleled beauty, to inspire a sense of national pride, and to advocate for the preservation of its natural wonders. His vivid and dramatic landscapes serve as both artistic masterpieces and historical documents, highlighting the transformative power of art in shaping public perception and policy. Moran's work continues to resonate today, reminding us of the timeless beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Through his paintings, Moran not only celebrated the splendor of the American landscape but also helped ensure its protection and appreciation for years to come.

The above brief essay was generated by AI and edited in July, 2024.

*Tag for expired US copyright of object image:

This page was originally published 7/29/98 in Resource Library Magazine. Please see Resource Library's Overview section for more information. rev. 11/28/11

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