The Niagara River at the Cataract

In 1831 Gustav Grunewald emigrated from the Moravian religious community of Gnadau, Germany, to join the sect’s settlement in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. One year later, Grunewald traveled to upstate New York for a sketching trip at Niagara Falls, which became one of his favorite subjects. In keeping with his beliefs, Grunewald viewed this natural wonder as tangible evidence of God.

Compare this painting to "Horseshoe Falls from below the High Bank" also in the de Young’s collection.