The Signal Fire

Ralph Albert Blakelock, The Signal Fire, 1885-1890, oil on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the family of Grace Strong Twining, 2001.74
Copied Ralph Albert Blakelock, The Signal Fire, 1885-1890, oil on wood, 1410 in. (35.625.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the family of Grace Strong Twining, 2001.74
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
The Signal Fire
Date
1885-1890
Dimensions
1410 in. (35.625.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the family of Grace Strong Twining
Mediums Description
oil on wood
Classifications
Keywords
  • Landscape — celestial — moon
  • Landscape — time — night
  • Indian
  • Figure male — knee length
  • Landscape — phenomenon — fire
Object Number
2001.74

Artwork Description

Ralph Albert Blakelock traveled the American West between 1869 and 1872 to sketch landscapes and native peoples. After he returned, he continued to paint western images inspired from the trip. In The Signal Fire a glowing moon rises above an American Indian perched on the edge of a cliff. The fire, crackling away below him, sends waves of wispy smoke in the air, possibly signaling someone on the tip of the mountain in the distance.