This is one of David Muench’s most famous images. It stands out from his other “greatest hits” not only for being a black-and-white photograph rather than a color one, but also for how early in his career it was taken. As with many of Muench’s black-and-white images, this photograph was originally shot in color. The contrast between the stripes of rain-washed wall is far more evident here than it would be in color; he no doubt tweaked the photograph to achieve this look.
Muench almost hides White House Ruin in the bottom third of the image, the cliff dwelling only noticeable via a beam of light hitting the left wall of the structure. The runoff stains also guide the viewer down towards the dwelling. Even in the darkest areas of this photograph, Muench has taken care to preserve detail. This image draws upon strong, naturally occurring patterns which often inspired Muench, especially when he decided to push his compositions in a more abstract direction.
As can be seen using the comparison slider below, in the color version of this photograph (H-8291), White House Ruin is very evident, whereas the dwelling takes on a more subtle feel in black-and-white.
Taken in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona.