The Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass, 1856, Lithograph on Paper

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Title: Tinted Lithograph of the Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass, 1856 : This lithograph, "Great Basin from … Read more Title: Tinted Lithograph of the Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass, 1856 : This lithograph, "Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass," offers a panoramic view of the expansive Great Basin as seen from the heights of Tejon Pass in California. Published as Geology Plate V in the Pacific Railroad Exploration Survey reports of 1856, the image captures the vastness and quiet beauty of this iconic region during the mid-19th century.

The composition features rolling hills leading to a distant horizon, with the scene animated by figures on horseback in the foreground. These figures, likely members of the survey expedition, lend a sense of scale and activity to the otherwise serene landscape. The soft tones and subtle gradients created using tinted lithography bring the scene to life, emphasizing the open sky and the delicate textures of the terrain. As part of the Pacific Railroad Survey’s monumental documentation efforts, this lithograph serves both as a historical record of the land and an artistic interpretation of its majesty. Tejon Pass, a vital route through the mountainous region, played an essential role in the expansion and exploration of the American West.

Condition: Very good, with clean margins and only minor signs of aging. The image remains clear and vibrant. See less