Lower Yellowstone Range c. 1875

Thomas Moran’s “Lower Yellowstone Range,” painted around 1875, depicts a majestic mountain landscape, showcasing the artist’s signature dramatic style and attention to detail. Moran’s dramatic representation of the natural world contributed to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park, as his paintings were crucial in influencing public perception of the region's grandeur. The scene is characterized by towering, snow-capped peaks, a rugged, rocky foreground, and a sense of vastness and scale, reflecting the grandeur of the American West. The use of warm, golden hues emphasizes the dramatic lighting and atmospheric effects, adding depth and dimension to the landscape.