Early Snow in Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Rock Poster

Early Snow in Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Rock is a large oil on canvas painting created by Albert Bierstadt in 1870, measuring approximately 54 x 84 inches. This work depicts the iconic Yosemite Valley with a focus on Sentinel Rock, one of the valley’s prominent granite spires, during an early snowfall. The scene captures the sublime beauty of the Sierra Nevada landscape with snow dusting the rugged cliffs and trees, while mist rises near Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River flows through the valley. Bierstadt’s composition balances detailed realism with romantic idealisation, using dramatic lighting and atmospheric effects to evoke a sense of awe and tranquillity. The painting reflects Bierstadt’s method of combining on-site sketches with studio enhancements to create unified, emotionally impactful landscapes. The presence of snow early in the season adds a fresh, pristine quality to the scene, emphasising nature’s grandeur and the changing seasons. The work is a prime example of Bierstadt’s romantic realism and luminism, showcasing his skill in rendering light and depth. It is part of the tradition of Hudson River School artists who celebrated the American wilderness, and it helped popularise Yosemite as a symbol of natural beauty and national pride.