Provenance

Robert Adams

American, born 1937

Explore selected works

See all 181 works of art
The image shows a person on a small motorbike looking towards the distant horizon with an expansive sky above. Rolling hills or low mountains are seen in the distance, along with a building surrounded by fields. A few power lines are scattered across the scene. The color palette is monochrome. On the ground, there is a textured dirt path with visible tire tracks. The atmosphere is tranquil and open, highlighting the vastness of the landscape.
Robert Adams, Green Mountain, Jefferson County, Colorado, 1970, gelatin silver print, The Ahmanson Foundation and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.15

Green Mountain, Jefferson County, Colorado

Robert Adams · 1970 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.15

A large pile of assorted shoes, including sneakers, boots, and dress shoes, occupies the center of the image, with a pigeon standing in the foreground on the left side. The image is in black and white. The shoes are lying haphazardly close together on a flat surface, with each shoe or pair tagged with a small paper label. The pigeon is positioned to the left of the pile, with its body angled towards the shoes.
Robert Adams, Astoria, Oregon, 2007, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.130

Astoria, Oregon

Robert Adams · 2007 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.130

The image shows an interior view looking towards an outdoor pathway. It captures a scene inside a house looking through an open door at a path leading away from the building. The doorway is framed with a door featuring textured glass and a window with sheer, patterned curtains. Outside, there is a path lined with trees, rolling hills, and a clear sky in the distance. Light and shadow create contrast between the dark interior and the brightly lit exterior landscape.
Robert Adams, Kerstin's grandfather, the family farm, Öglunda, Sweden, 1968, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.159

Kerstin's grandfather, the family farm, Öglunda, Sweden

Robert Adams · 1968 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.159

This is a photograph of a collection of shoes arranged on the ground in neat rows. The image captures a wide-open, sunlit area with pairs of black shoes positioned orderly in lines on the ground. Each pair is tagged with what appears to be labels or notes. In the background, there is a row of parked vehicles, and in the foreground, two individuals are standing, holding hands and observing the display.
Robert Adams, Astoria, Oregon, 2007, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.128

Astoria, Oregon

Robert Adams · 2007 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.128

The image shows a rural road curving gently, lined with tall trees on the right side. The trees have elongated branches reaching up and out, dominating the scene. In the distance, there are sparse trees and open fields leading to a low horizon. The road and trees frame the sky, where textured clouds fill part of the monochrome-colored sky.
Robert Adams, Baker County, Oregon, 2000, gelatin silver print, Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2017.45.2

Baker County, Oregon

Robert Adams · 2000 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2017.45.2

The image displays a seaside view from the sandy shore towards the ocean. The horizon line separates the sky from the sea. The sand shows texture and ripples. A person pushes a stroller, and another figure walks by the water, leaving footprints. Waves break, spreading foam, with two additional figures in the distance. It is captured in monochromatic tones of black, white, and gray, creating a timeless and serene atmosphere.
Robert Adams, Clatsop Beach, Oregon, 1999, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.107

Clatsop Beach, Oregon

Robert Adams · 1999 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.107

The image shows a wide, expansive landscape with a vast, open field extending toward the horizon. Sparse clouds cover the sky, casting a soft light over the scene. The land is covered with dry grass, leading to a cluster of structures in the distance. The photo is monochromatic, using a range of grays to highlight texture and tone.
Robert Adams, Northeast of Keota, Colorado, 1969, printed 1981, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.165

Northeast of Keota, Colorado

Robert Adams · 1969, printed 1981 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.165

The image shows a black and white landscape with a man working in a trench. The viewpoint is slightly elevated, revealing the vast terrain stretching towards the horizon. Mountains dominate the skyline in the distance. The landscape is desolate apart from the man working in the trench. A ladder leans against the trench wall. The photo emphasizes clarity and detail, showing textures of the dirt and subtle shadows. The mountains in the background add depth. The grayscale tones create a stark atmosphere, emphasizing the rugged terrain.
Robert Adams, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1969, printed 1990, gelatin silver print, The Ahmanson Foundation and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.8

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Robert Adams · 1969, printed 1990 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.8

The image shows a detailed view of dense trees with intricate branches and foliage filling the frame. The horizon is not visible due to the trees. The painting features smooth and detailed brushstrokes capturing the leaves and branches realistically. The color palette is monochromatic in shades of grey and black, emphasizing the silhouettes. In the background, a hill and a light sky can be seen.
Robert Adams, Next to Interstate 10, Redlands, California, 1983, printed 1990, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.29

Next to Interstate 10, Redlands, California

Robert Adams · 1983, printed 1990 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.29

The image depicts a cluttered landscape seen from a ground-level perspective. A large boulder with marks on its surface is surrounded by a mix of natural vegetation and discarded items, such as planks and cans. The horizon is obscured by trees and shrubs in the distance, creating depth in the scene. The color scheme is monochromatic, emphasizing the textures and contrasts between the rock, vegetation, and litter. The photo captures intricate details of the rugged scene.
Robert Adams, Santa Ana Wash, San Bernardino County, California, 1982, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.28

Santa Ana Wash, San Bernardino County, California

Robert Adams · 1982 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.28

Bibliography

1980

  • Adams, Robert. From the Missouri West: Photographs by Robert Adams. Millerton, New York, 1980.

1981

  • Adams, Robert. Beauty in Photography: Essays in Defense of Traditional Values. Millerton, New York, 1981.

1989

  • Ref Number: 1989.483.
    Greenough.1989.483.

  • To Make It Home: Photographs of the American West. Exh. cat. Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia and Millerton, New York, 1989.