Ruins of Cliff Dwellings, Canyon de Chelly

1879-1881

John K. Hillers

Associated Names
John K. Hillers

Artist, American, born Germany, 1843 - 1925

This image displays ancient cliff dwellings nestled against a towering rock face. The scene features the grandeur of the cliff, which forms a natural shelter for the structures, casting shadows over them. Rocks and sparse vegetation are scattered on the ground, indicating a rugged, arid environment. The cliff dwellings showcase intricate stone constructions rising in layers. The rock displays horizontal natural striations, enhancing the sense of motion across the sandstone surface. The monochromatic color palette emphasizes the textural contrast between the rough stonework and the smooth canyon wall, evoking a timeless and monumental quality.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    albumen silver print

  • Credit Line

    Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet: 25.5 × 33.5 cm (10 1/16 × 13 3/16 in.)
    mount: 40.7 × 50.8 cm (16 × 20 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.145.8


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Swann Galleries, New York); (Charles Isaacs Photographs, Inc., New York), 2014; NGA purchase, 2018.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

signed by artist, lower right in negative: HILLERS, PHOTO.; lower left printed in negative: RUINS OF CLIFF DWELLINGS. CANON DECHELLEY. [sic]; on verso, by unknown hand, bottom left in graphite: #230


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