What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

The painting depicts a storm rolling over a mountain range. The people in the foreground seem to be fleeing from the storm or attempting to seek cover with their horses. The background is obscured, giving a sense of impending danger and showing that the storm has already descended upon that area of mountains. The lake in the middle is illuminated by a patch of light rays, portraying the calm before the storm reaches the fleeing people.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The size of the mountains swallows up many of the minor detail, which may be on purpose to further evoke the grandiose feelings the mountains are meant to portray. The background being so dark and obscured highlights the lake and the rays of light illuminating it. The proportion of the people in the foreground again gives the viewer a better sense of just how massive and awe inspiring this landscape is intended to be.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

It is displayed alone on a large wall to the back of a large gallery space with dim lighting. The lighting created shadows on the painting that further dramatize its proportions and the size of the gallery make it seem even larger. The placement gives the painting more depth, as the room itself seems to focus around the painting.

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