WASHINGTON, , United States — The Jefferson Memorial is dramatically silhouetted against the rising sun over the Tidal Basin in Washington, This iconic view captures the neoclassical monument's distinctive dome and colonnade in stark contrast with the golden light of dawn.


Photograph by David Coleman. This striking image of the Jefferson Memorial silhouetted by the rising sun showcases one of Washington, 's most iconic landmarks in a moment of breathtaking beauty. The memorial's distinctive dome and circular colonnade are rendered in sharp relief against the warm glow of the early morning sky, creating a powerful visual representation of American heritage and democratic ideals. The Tidal Basin, upon whose shore the memorial stands, likely provides a mirror-like surface in the foreground, potentially offering a double image of the monument through its reflection. This body of water, part of West Potomac Park, plays a crucial role in framing the memorial and enhancing its visual impact. The timing of this photograph during the sunrise, often referred to as the "golden hour" by photographers, bathes the scene in rich, warm tones that dramatically highlight the memorial's neoclassical architecture. This lighting effect not only emphasizes the monument's grand scale and symmetry but also imbues the scene with a sense of reverence and historical significance. Designed by architect John Russell Pope and dedicated in 1943, the Jefferson Memorial honors Thomas Jefferson, the third President and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Its placement and design, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, were carefully chosen to create a striking addition to the capital's landscape. This sunrise view of the memorial encapsulates its role as both a tribute to Jefferson's legacy and a symbol of American democratic principles, standing steadfast as a new day dawns over the nation's capital.


Size: 6706px × 4475px
Location: Jefferson Memorial, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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