Untitled, or Mountain Lake

Juan Wandesforde
Untitled, or Mountain Lake
Oil on canvas, c. 1860
12 x 20 inches
Promised gift of Nancy Dustin Wall Moure
PG.2004.009.023

Juan Wandesforde’s numerous trips to the Sierra Nevada and other locales make it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of Untitled, or Mountain Lake. The painting is an example of his mature style, showing clear influence of the Hudson River school with its grandiose and sublime depiction of natural scenes. This can be seen in the naturalistic color, intense detail, and expansive space depicted in this scene. The foreground area of rocks and foliage provide a bridge from which the humble viewer can behold the wonders of nature.