Groundbreaking Painting of Grand Canyon a “Must See”

Author Mike Buchheit stands in front of Thomas Moran's "Chasm of the Colorado" — Author Mike Buchheit stands in front of Thomas Moran’s “Chasm of the Colorado”

English-born painter Thomas Moran famously painted some of the most iconic landscapes of the Western United States. His “Chasm of the Colorado” depicted Grand Canyon beneath a fierce storm.

Though he took some artistic and geologic liberties, the masterpiece was purchased by Congress for the princely sum of $10,000.00 in 1874 (five years after Major John Wesley Powell and crew were the first to journey through the canyon by boat).

The painting currently hangs in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

I paid a visit earlier this month and was impressed by the size, detail, and emotional impact – as were my companions.

I would encourage any Grand Canyon enthusiast visiting or living in the nation’s Capital to make a similar pilgrimage.

Read more about Moran and this 7’ x 12’ master work by following this link: https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1730.html

About Mike Buchheit
Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.
As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.