”First Crossing of the Weber“

24 X 30 Oil

This captivating landscape boasts David’s trained eye for composition and his trademarked brushwork. At first glance, it could be one of any dozen such scenes in the upper valleys of northern Utah. A clear river bordered by large pastures and edged with cottonwoods creates a beautiful and familiar scene for all who now like to escape the business of the valley and head for the tranquility of the mountains. Typical of David’s work, it is actually a rather simple scene made remarkable through the eye of the artist.
Closer inspection reveals this to be an actual location, a quiet spot on the Weber River near the small town of Henefer. Here, the advance party lead by Orson Pratt crossed the Weber for the first time searching for the easiest path to the chosen Salt Lake valley. In the distance one can see the merging of the two ridges which form the pass which Orson will follow, the way to Big Mountain. Only a year earlier, the ill-fated Donner party had selected their way through the mountains. It was this cutoff which Pratt hoped to find and mark for those who would follow.

Private collection.

Back to Thumbnails