Oil on canvas (lined), unsigned, circa 1872, presented in an ornate period gilt composition frame with velvet liner.

SS 24.5 x 29.5 in.; DOA 35 5/8 x 40 5/8 in.

From the Collection of Mr. Arthur John Phelan, Jr., Chevy-Chase, Maryland
Private Collection, North Carolina

Mr. Phelan was a noted collector of Western Art. Works from his collection were sought for exhibitions at Buffalo Bill Historical Center and elsewhere.

This painting is a variation of the view copyrighted in 1872 and 1873 by Charles H. Crosby of Boston and in 1873 by D. S. Norris of New York. Both companies published popular chromolithographs based on the original painting by Charles Clark.

This particular view encompasses El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome. The painting differs slightly from the published chromolithograph in that the cottonwood tree is replaced with an evergreen, the addition of a small teepee and Indian figure in the lower right corner, and the addition of a sunset sky with crescent moon.

Stable craquelure; yellowing varnish; small paint flake with some cleavage to cliff face at left edge of composition; bulge to canvas at left of center; minor scattered spot touch-ups and infill visible under UV Light; minor separation at frame corners and with some rubbing and water spots to frame.