New Mexico Art Tells its History

Romance Makers - Van Cleve

Romance Makers, 1989 (printed 1996)
Barbara Van Cleve (American, born 1935)
gelatin silver print, 19 1/4 x 15 1/4 in. (48.9 x 38.7 cm)
Museum purchase with funds from the Photo Group, 1996
1996.66.1
© 1989 Barbara Van Cleve

Barbara Van Cleve, descended from Montana pioneers, was born and raised on her family's historic ranch near Big Timber, Montana. From the age of six, she could be found helping at the corrals or sitting astride a horse, the beginning of a lifetime as a rancher. As a photographer, she has held a camera since she was 11 years old when her parents gave her a “Brownie” camera and a home developing kit. Her youthful interest in photography soon grew into a lifelong commitment. Ever since she has been documenting the beauty and reality of ranch life in the West. In 1995 Van Cleve was inducted into the National Cow Girl Hall of Fame in recognition for her great achievements in photography.

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