Cave-in, Gould & Curry Mine, Virginia City, Nevada

Artist Timothy H. O'Sullivan (American, born Ireland, 1840 - 1882)

Date1868

MediumAlbumen print

DimensionsOverall: 7 × 7 1/2 inches (17.78 × 19.05 cm)
Mat (exhibition): 20 × 24 inches (50.8 × 60.96 cm)
Framed: 23 3/8 × 27 1/2 × 1 5/8 inches (59.37 × 69.85 × 4.13 cm)

Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Object number2005.27.527

InscribedOn U.S. Engineer Department, Geological Exploration, Fortieth Parallel King Survey mount; No. 84 in series; ex: Horan collection.

On View

Not on view

Collections

Photography

Terms

DescriptionImage of an opening with pieces of wood haphazardly stacked as if they have fallen; the leg of a figure is partially visible near the right edge of the opening.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Timothy H. O’Sullivan: The King Survey Photographs. The Art Institute of Chicago, October 22, 2011 - January 15, 2012, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, April 7 - September 2, 2012, Brigham Young University Museum of Art, Provo, UT, January 23 - May 26, 2014, no. 31.

Gallery Label

Here, O'Sullivan depicted the aftermath of a mine cave-in, a constant safely concern. A single miner-indicated by the evidence of one leg-sits just off the frame to the right, as shattered support beams sag downward from the ceiling of the mine passage.

Published References

C. L. B., "The Pacific Coast: Virginia City and the Silver Mines," New York Times (February 11, 1868): 2.

Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.