Provenance

Robert Adams

American, born 1937

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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 landscape with a horizon line in the lower third of the composition. The grassland below is separated from the cloudy sky above. The sky is filled with thick, layered grey and white clouds, suggesting stormy weather. The brushstrokes create a sense of depth and movement. The color palette is monochromatic with various shades of grey. The land appears flat and extends towards the horizon.
Robert Adams, Weld County, Colorado, 1984, gelatin silver print, The Ahmanson Foundation and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.11

Weld County, Colorado

Robert Adams · 1984 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.11

This is a photograph of a large department store interior. The image features a wide aisle with various types of household items on display. On the left side of the aisle, there are rows of chairs with different upholstery styles lined up, while on the right side, stacks of boxes can be seen, labeled "Revere Ware." The store has a high ceiling covered with fluorescent lights providing illumination. Shelving units and multiple aisles are visible in the background, extending into the distance.
Robert Adams, Lakewood, Colorado, 1973, printed 1979, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Gift of Robert and Kerstin Adams, 2012.70.41

Lakewood, Colorado

Robert Adams · 1973, printed 1979 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2012.70.41

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.