Vernal Falls 

Albert Bierstadt created this painting of Vernal Falls using oil on canvas, sometime in the late 19th century. He wasn’t the first to depict the American West, but his epic landscapes captured the grandeur of the natural world. Consider how the sheer scale of the falls is conveyed through Bierstadt’s technique. He uses traditional methods, layering paint to create a sense of depth and texture. Notice the fine brushwork in the trees, and the way he captures the misty spray of the waterfall. This wasn't just about observation; it was about crafting an experience for the viewer. In Bierstadt’s time, paintings like this played a role in promoting the idea of manifest destiny, suggesting that the American West was an abundant, untamed land, ripe for the taking. While we can appreciate Bierstadt’s skill, it’s also important to consider the social context in which his work was produced and consumed. The making of the painting itself, is directly linked to the wider politics of land ownership.