Killing the Snake

c. 1863

John Moran, John Storey

Associated Names
John Moran

Artist, American, born England, 1831 - 1902

John Storey

Artist, American, active 1860s

This is a photograph of two individuals seated on a rocky ledge above a scenic landscape. They appear to be engaged in conversation, with one person holding a walking stick and leaning towards the other. They are surrounded by a natural environment, with large trees framing the scene. The background includes a view of a river meandering through a valley, with rolling hills rising in the distance. In the foreground, there are some objects that appear to be part of art supplies, such as a folding stool and what may be a case, suggesting a plein air activity like painting. The photograph captures a moment of leisure and appreciation of the natural setting.

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

    Clinton and Jean Wright Fund

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet: 10.4 × 7.9 cm (4 1/8 × 3 1/8 in.)
    mount: 16.8 × 11.1 cm (6 5/8 × 4 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2022.103.6


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Maxwell Sommerville [1829–1904], Philadelphia. (William L. Schaeffer / Photographs, Chester, CT); NGA purchase, 2022.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by Maxwell Sommerville, lower center on mount in brown ink: With kind regards. / Truly yours / Maxwell Sommerville / July 1876--; on verso, by unknown hand, top right in graphite: oa/o WSC-00016; upper right: photo by Moran and Story [sic] / note stereo-Moran 554; bottom right: 32


You may be interested in

Loading Results