Sentinel Rock, so named because it seems to be keeping watch over all of Yosemite Valley, is captured here in this dreamy scene, with Sentinel Rock silhouetted by a full moon peeking out from a passing cloud. The composition is sophisticated, and its use of moonlight from the moon itself and its reflection in the Merced River is captivating.

The artist is unknown, but the painting's age leads us to think it was done in the late 19th century by a skilled painter. We believe that the artist would have done other paintings of Yosemite done in the daylight, as no artist would have done just one painting and went home.

The subset of skilled artists working at that time in the difficultly remote locale of Yosemite Valley is small. Our detective work goes on, but at this point, having looked at a number of nocturnes by Julles Tavernier, he is my leading candidate. I believe it may have been done by Tavernier himself or a student. He often had partially cloud covered moons in nocturnes and silhouetted subjects.

While seeking out outstanding California paintings for our gallery, we sometimes run across unsigned treasures done by skilled artists, and such is the case with this nocturnal painting of Yosemite's Sentinel Rock.

This skillful painting was probably signed originally, but a prior cleaning removed much of the paint in the lower right. The frame and stretched canvas indicate substantial age, but good care over the years.