The City of Mexico 

Thomas Moran painted ‘The City of Mexico’ using oil. The work is structured around a central waterway that recedes into the background. The banks on either side are rendered with soft greens and browns, leading the eye towards the architectural grandeur in the distance. Notice how Moran manipulates perspective; the buildings rise gradually, culminating in a dominant domed structure that anchors the composition. The subtle interplay of light and shadow gives depth to the buildings, while the sky above is painted with a loose, cloud-filled texture that adds to the dreamlike atmosphere. The artist employs a semiotic system of signs to construct the scene. The water can be seen as a symbol of fluidity, both of movement and time, while the architectural structures represent stability, culture and permanence. By carefully structuring these elements, Moran creates a balanced yet dynamic landscape that invites ongoing contemplation.