National Champion Saguaro, Arizona, 2001

Barbara Bosworth, National Champion Saguaro, Arizona, 2001, 2001, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Haluk and Elisa Soykan, 2008.2.4, © 2001, Barbara Bosworth
Barbara Bosworth, National Champion Saguaro, Arizona, 2001, 2001, gelatin silver print, 9 5823 18 in. (24.458.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Haluk and Elisa Soykan, 2008.2.4, © 2001, Barbara Bosworth

Artwork Details

Title
National Champion Saguaro, Arizona, 2001
Date
2001
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
9 5823 18 in. (24.458.7 cm)
Copyright
© 2001, Barbara Bosworth
Credit Line
Gift of Haluk and Elisa Soykan
Mediums Description
gelatin silver print
Classifications
Subjects
  • Landscape — Arizona
  • Landscape — plant — cactus
Object Number
2008.2.4

Artwork Description

The National Register of Big Trees records the size and location of the largest individuals of over seven hundred species found in the United States. Although Bosworth has tracked more than one hundred of these trees across the continent, she is as concerned with capturing the feeling of the surrounding landscape as describing the particular details of each tree. We are shown only the base of the coast redwood's trunk; a figure nearly hidden in the undergrowth offers the only indication of its height, which reaches over three hundred feet above the forest floor. Redwoods and giant sequoias have long been highlights for summer tourists, but the champion western redcedar is perhaps a more telling example of the fate of many of these natural landmarks. It was discovered within a stand of old-growth forest that was being clear-cut, and now remains as a lone sentinel guarding a deserted landscape. While some of these champions are protected within national or state parks and forests, Bosworth has been more frequently drawn to the commonplace locations where the majority are found: backyards, rural crossroads, parking lots, and housing developments.

Earth and Sky: Photographs by Barbara Bosworth exhibition label

Works by this artist (2 items)

John Iversen, Untitled (brooch), 1997, gold and enamel, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Susan Beech Collection, 2024.50.40, Photo by Robert Diamante
Untitled (brooch)
Date1997
gold and enamel
Not on view
John Iversen, Pin, 1989, constructed enamel, copper, nickel, sterling silver, and 22k gold, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Richard T. Evans Fund, 2000.1
Pin
Date1989
constructed enamel, copper, nickel, sterling silver, and 22k gold
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Mellerio dits Meller, Jeweled Collar in the Shape of a Peacock Feather, 1900, 18 karat gold, enamel, diamonds, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Laura Dreyfus Barney and Natalie Clifford Barney in memory of their mother, Alice Pike Barney, 1964.25.1
Jeweled Collar in the Shape of a Peacock Feather
Date1900
18 karat gold, enamel, diamonds
Not on view
Florence Koehler, Heart Ring, ca. 1905-1935, enameled gold and sapphires, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mary Elizabeth Sharpe, 1981.105.3
Heart Ring
Dateca. 1905-1935
enameled gold and sapphires
Not on view
Florence Koehler, Necklace/Bracelet, ca. 1905-1935, enameled gold and pearls, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mary Elizabeth Sharpe, 1981.105.4
Necklace/​Bracelet
Dateca. 1905-1935
enameled gold and pearls
Not on view
Florence Koehler, Leaf-Design Ring, ca. 1905-1935, enameled gold and emerald, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mary Elizabeth Sharpe, 1981.105.2
Leaf-Design Ring
Dateca. 1905-1935
enameled gold and emerald
Not on view