Heart of the Andes

In the pictureAt the top of the picture is the snow-covered peak of Chimborazo; in the middle, a misty valley and a waterfall; at the bottom, tropical trees and flowers and two small figures kneeling before a cross. On a tree trunk at lower left, the painter's signature is painted as if carved into the bark. Up close, every leaf and every bird is painted; step back, and a whole continent comes into view.

BackgroundChurch gathered sketches on two trips to South America, in 1853 and 1857, and finished this painting in New York in 1859. The single painting was hung in a darkened room and shown for an admission fee, and 12,000 people came to see it in three weeks. Visitors examined the details through opera glasses. It was inspired by the scientist Humboldt's accounts of his South American explorations, and Church meant to show the painting to Humboldt, but Humboldt died that year.

Puzzle tipAs a puzzle, its detail is close to endless. Even at 300 pieces, every piece contains something different, so rather than confusing you, it offers plenty of clues. Divide it into four layers, sky, mountains, valley and foreground forest, and complete each layer in turn. The waterfall, the cross and the tree with the carved signature are the reference points. Zoom in as you work, and it becomes like looking through opera glasses in the gallery.