Cliff Houses

Cliff Houses on the Rio Mancos, Colorado by William Henry Holmes

Cliff Houses on the Rio Mancos, Colorado by William Henry Holmes, painted in 1904, depicts a dramatic and remote landscape featuring ancient cliff dwellings along the Rio Mancos. Holmes, an American artist and ethnologist, was known for his detailed and scientifically accurate representations of natural landscapes and archaeological sites.

In this painting, Holmes captures the rugged terrain and the cliff houses nestled high above the river. The artwork emphasizes the stark contrast between the natural rock formations and the man-made structures. Holmes’s attention to detail in rendering the textures of the cliff faces and the architectural features of the dwellings reflects his deep interest in the American Southwest's archaeological and natural history.

• Where and When Made: Rio Mancos, Colorado, 1904
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Full Artwork Name: Cliff Houses on the Rio Mancos, Colorado
• Artwork Style: Realism with a focus on detailed and accurate depictions of natural landscapes and archaeological sites
• Current Location: In a museum or private collection
• Subject/Topic: Cliff dwellings along the Rio Mancos, highlighting Holmes’s depiction of ancient structures within a dramatic natural setting and his commitment to capturing the historical and geological significance of the region.