In the Sierras

1867

Shows his landscapes to Queen Victoria in London

Back in Europe, Bierstadt began in London, where he showed two of his landscapes to Queen Victoria at a private reception.

1867–1869

Two years in Europe: pictures, contacts, publicity

For two years Bierstadt travelled around Europe, painting new works and cultivating social and business contacts to sustain the market for his art on the continent. He matched grand subjects with entrepreneurial flair: his one-picture exhibitions came with promotion and ticket sales — 'a vast machinery of advertisement and puffery', in one critic's words.

1868

The Yosemite pictures bring invitations to expeditions

The publicity around his Yosemite Valley paintings led a number of explorers to ask Bierstadt to join their westward expeditions. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad commissioned him to visit and paint the Grand Canyon and the surrounding region.