Vernal Fall, Yosemite Valley, California

c. 1948, printed 1981

Ansel Adams

Associated Names
Ansel Adams

Artist, American, 1902 - 1984

The image shows a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliffside with mist and spray creating motion in the falling water. The horizon is not visible due to the view focusing on the waterfall, and a towering rocky cliff rises behind it. A cluster of dark trees stands to the right of the cliff. The photograph is in black-and-white with a high contrast between the bright water and dark rock surfaces, creating a classic appearance. The close view of the rocks and water emphasizes nature's power, while the trees and cliff create a grand backdrop.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gelatin silver print

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Virginia B. Adams

  • Dimensions

    overall: 38.2 x 49.5 cm (15 1/16 x 19 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.3.34

  • Series Title

    Museum Set

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Virginia B. Adams, Carmel, CA; gift to NGA, 1986.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1979

  • Yosemite 1979, 108.

1985

  • Alinder, James, and Nicolai Cikovsky, Jr. Ansel Adams: Classic Images, The Museum Set. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Boston, 1985: 23.

Inscriptions

lower right on mount in graphite: Ansel Adams

Wikidata ID

Q64144866

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