Pi-wy-ack (Cataract of Diamonds), Vernal Falls, Yosemite Valley, California

1867

Eadweard Muybridge

Associated Names
Eadweard Muybridge

Artist, American, born England, 1830 - 1904

The image shows a waterfall streaming between trees, with water flowing over rocks in the foreground. The viewpoint is from below the falls, looking upwards towards the cascading water from a distance. The scene conveys depth as the viewer's eye follows the water's path to the edge. The horizon is hidden by trees and rocks around the waterfall. The monochrome sepia palette highlights the textures of the trees and rocks, creating a timeless feel. The water appears smooth, contrasting the rough surfaces of the rocks. The image captures the power and beauty of nature, focusing on the interaction between the water and the landscape.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    albumen silver print

  • Credit Line

    Clinton and Jean Wright Fund

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet: 20.1 × 14.9 cm (7 15/16 × 5 7/8 in.)
    mount: 25.6 × 35.3 cm (10 1/16 × 13 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2019.93.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Angela Russo, Provincetown, MA; (Richard Moore Photographs, Oakland, CA), 2012; NGA purchase, 2019.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by artist, bottom right in negative: Helios; printed, lower center underneath image in black ink: ENTERED according to Act of Congress, A.D. 1868, by E. J. MUYBRIDGE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the united States for the Northern District of California.; on verso, center printed in black ink on applied label: YO-SEM-I-TE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. / PI-WY-ACK, (Cataract of Diamonds). / VERNAL, 350 feet fall. / HELIOS, / Cosmopolitan Gallery of Photographic Art, / Montgomery St., San Francisco. / Entered according to Act of Congress, 1868, / by E. J. MUYBRIDGE, / in Clerk's Office of / Dist. Court U. S., District California.

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