American

Thomas Moran

U.S. 1837-1926
Welcome the Return of the Boat 25.0188

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Thomas Moran executed this painting of a rocky sea coast before his first trip abroad, and it demonstrates the influence of his early teacher, the marine painter, James Hamilton. Thomas Moran's family emigrated to the America when Thomas was seven years old. His three brothers were also artists. In 1853, Thomas apprenticed himself to an engraving firm in Philadelphia but soon abandoned print work to teach himself how to paint in watercolors and oils. He worked in the studio of his brother Edward for a time, and studied under James Hamilton. In 1861, Thomas and his brother Edward traveled to England to study the works of J.M.W. Turner (with whom Thomas is frequently compared) and continued their travels and study in France and Italy, accompanied by Thomas' wife, artist Mary Nimmo. Moran's later work illustrating the Washburn-Langford expedition of 1870 for Scribner's Monthly Magazine peaked his interest in the American West. The next year he joined the U.S. Geological Survey team led by Dr. F.V. Hayden, which was exploring the Yellowstone Region. Moran was one of the first artists to paint the Yellowstone's remarkable beauty, and his representations for Scribner's were instrumental in convincing Congress to declare the area a national park. Moran's next trips west were to the Yosemite Valley, and to the Rocky Mountains as a member of Major John Wesley Powell's Colorado River survey team. Moran continued to travel to the American West, as well as to England, Mexico, and Venice

 

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