Sun

In this painting Bierstadt has created a picturesque
landscape, which includes a glowing luminosity behind the
clouds depicting the sun. The sun in this painting can’t be
seen however the light and yellow warmth of the clouds
indicates that its there.
The mountains in the background creating echoing
forms across the canvas entrancing the viewer with
a subtle use of symmetry. This symmetry again
pulls the viewers sight towards the centre of the
painting and the glowing light.
The colours used in this
painting aren’t very bright but
are still warm due to the yellows
in the sky. Bierstadt uses a vivid
green on the right hand side of
the painting which is
complemented well by the
darker greys on the left hand
side.
Bierstadt has
carefully modeled
the light in this
painting so that it
flows down the
sides of the
mountains casting
shadows which
adds depth to the
painting. He has
also added more
light by reflecting it
in the water.
In this painting you can also see the use of atmospheric
perspective towards the background, making the viewer
see the great monumentality of the landscape. This is
created by the depth Bierstadt has achieved and creates
a sense of awe.