Printmaker Biographies

Thomas Moran

(1837–1926)

“Twilight in Arizona” by Thomas Moran

Thomas Moran, a prominent American landscape painter and printmaker, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s appreciation for its natural wonders.

Born in Bolton, England, Moran emigrated to the United States with his family as a child, settling in Pennsylvania. He began his career as an illustrator, eventually developing his skills as a painter and etcher.

Moran’s work gained national recognition after his 1871 expedition to Yellowstone with the U.S. Geological Survey. The breathtaking landscapes he captured helped convince Congress to establish Yellowstone as the first national park.

Known for his dramatic use of light and color, Moran’s paintings, such as *The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone*, are iconic representations of the American West. Moran was also a skilled printmaker, using etching and drypoint to translate his sweeping landscapes into smaller, yet equally evocative works. He and his wife, Mary Nimmo Moran, were key figures in the American etching revival, with Thomas helping to popularize the medium among collectors and artists.

A member of the Hudson River School and an affiliate of the New York Etching Club, Moran left an indelible mark on American art, celebrated for his role in preserving the natural beauty of the nation through his work.