Learn about different qualities of landscapes, such as degree of realism versus exaggeration, from this activity that pushes viewers to think about different aspects of Bierstadt's seasonal landscape titled Yosemite Winter Scene.

A contour map from 1911 of a typical portion of Yosemite Valley, showing cliffed margins, waterfalls, flat floor, and meandering stream.

An image of "Yosemite Valley at Sunset", created by Albert Bierstadt in 1864 (Oil on cardboard, 30 x 49 cm).

"The Land Through a Lens: Highlights from the Smithsonian American Art Museum," features 84 photographs from the early years of photography in the 1850s through the 20th century. Included in the collection are works by early, modern, and...