Penitente Moranda, Coyote, New Mexico c. 1950 - 1981

Ansel Adams' "Penitente Moranda, Coyote, New Mexico" (c. 1950-1981) is a striking black and white photograph showcasing the stark beauty of the American Southwest. The image depicts a weathered adobe wall, punctuated by a single white door and a boarded-up window. The simplicity of the composition, with its stark contrasts of light and shadow, evokes a sense of isolation and timelessness, characteristic of Adams's signature style. This photograph is a prime example of Adams's mastery of the Zone System, a technique he developed to control the tonal values of his prints, resulting in breathtaking detail and depth. The image's composition and subject matter reflect Adams's dedication to capturing the grandeur of the American landscape, specifically the Southwestern region, where he often traveled.