JOHN MORAN (1831-1902) Tropical Scenery, Natural Arch, Cupica Bay, Darién Expedition. 1871. Albumen print, the image measuring 10¾x7⅞ inches (27.3x20 cm.), the mount 20x16 inches (50.8x40.6 cm.), with the printed title and Expedition information on mount recto.
Provenance From the Collection of William L. Schaeffer
In 1870 the U.S. Government sent an expedition to the Darién region of Panama, led by Thomas Oliver Selfridge Jr. to survey and assess the possibility of constructing a canal across the Isthmus of Darién. Moran replaced Timothy O'Sullivan in 1871 as the official photographer. Oppressive heat and humidity and impenetrable terrain made the expedition's progress difficult, but Moran still captured the lush tropical beauty if the region, here rendered in delicate detail.
