The Life and Art of
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Old Man of the Mountains
Samuel L. Gerry (1813–91)
Signed lower left: “S L Gerry.”; undated, circa 1886
Oil on canvas (20 x 14 in.)
Collection of P. Andrews and Linda H. McLane
The Old Man of the Mountain was an inspiration to many artists working in the White Mountains during the 19th century. Standing hundreds of feet in the air and protruding from the side of a cliff, the rock formation reminded viewers of the power and beauty of the natural world. Dozens of artists captured its likeness on canvas, while enterprising businessmen promoted the Old Man’s image on a wide variety of souvenirs and memorabilia. The frequency with which the Old Man appeared in White Mountain art no doubt increased its fame.
