Green River, Wyoming
Albert Bierstadt (American, 1830–1902)
Circa 1863
Watercolor and pastel on paper
15 x 20 1/2 in.
Albert Bierstadt, renowned for his grand depictions of the American West, captures the serene beauty of Wyoming's Green River in this intimate work. Using the delicate mediums of watercolor and pastel, Bierstadt portrays the dramatic cliffs and reflective waters with a soft, atmospheric touch. In the foreground, Native American riders on horseback traverse the riverbank, adding a human scale to the vast wilderness. The hazy light and warm tones evoke both the tranquility and grandeur of the unspoiled frontier.
Signed "A Bierstadt" in the lower left, this work demonstrates Bierstadt’s ability to distill the majesty of expansive landscapes into a smaller, more personal composition. Known for his romanticized yet detailed portrayals of the West, Bierstadt played a significant role in shaping the public’s imagination of the frontier during the 19th century. His art encouraged westward expansion while celebrating the untamed beauty of the American wilderness.
Bierstadt’s journey to Wyoming and other western territories was part of a broader effort to document the unexplored landscapes of the United States. His works, like The Green River Expedition, continue to captivate viewers with their blend of realism and poetic grandeur.
