“A Storm in the Rocky Mountains – Mount Rosalie” is an oil on canvas artwork by Albert Bierstadt completed in 1869. The painting is representative of the Luminism art movement and measures 51.91 x 86.84 cm. Currently, this landscape genre artwork is housed in the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and sublime natural scene, set within the Rocky Mountains. At the center of the composition, Mount Rosalie majestically towers amidst the clouds. A storm appears to be brewing, as indicated by the dark and brooding sky contrasting with the sunlight that finds its way through to illuminate parts of the mountain’s rugged terrain. The luminous quality of the sunlight is a hallmark characteristic of the Luminism movement, which sought to portray light in a soft, diffused manner.
In the foreground, a serene valley dotted with lush trees is visible. There are elements of human presence, such as small figures and what appears to be a pack trail meandering through the valley toward the mountains, indicating the interaction between humans and the vast American landscape. A sense of tranquility contrasts with the impending tumult of the weather above, as a small body of water fed by a waterfall reflects the light that pierces the cloudy sky. The artwork captures both the immense scale and the transient beauty of nature, inviting contemplation of the wild American scenery during a time when it was seen as a symbol of national identity and pride.
