Produced
[place of production not identified], 1857.
Physical Properties
Painting; 13 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (34.3 x 54 cm); with frame: 18 1/2 x 26 5/8 in. (47 x 67.7 cm)
Oil on canvas mounted on board
Inscription
Signed lower left: F. CHURCH / 57 / COTOPAXI.
Description
This painting shows the volcano Cotopaxi in Ecuador spewing lava, ash, and smoke. From an elevated hillside, the viewer looks across an extensive green plain toward the majestic geological formation that rises in the distance. The contrast between the smoking cone and the craggy mountains before it contributes to the striking quality of the image.
Notes
This picture belongs to a series of at least ten paintings and several drawings linked to Church's two visits to Ecuador in 1853 and 1857. The artist painted it either during or shortly after his second trip in 1857. The craggy structure in front of Cotopaxi probably represents the dormant and heavily eroded stratovolcano Rumiñawi.
Exhibitions
The American Vision: Paintings 1825-1875 (Paul Rosenberg & Co, New York, NY, October 8-November 2, 1968).
Provenance
The artist (1857-1900); by descent to Mrs. Louis Church, the artist's daughter-in-law, Hudson, NY (1900-1915); Mr. and Mrs. Marcus D. Richards, Winnetka, IL (1915-?); Mr. George D. Richards Chicago, IL; Knoedler & Co, New York, NY; sold by Knoedler & Co. to Stuart P. Feld, New York, NY (1966); Gift to Columbia from Dr. Alan W. Feld and Mrs. Suzanne Coblentz Feld in 2020.
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Alan W. Feld and Mrs. Suzanne Coblentz Feld.
Format
Art Work (Original)
