Cayuga Lake Toward Ithaca c. 1895

William H. Rau made this photograph of Cayuga Lake in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, using a printing out process on albumen paper. The serene landscape speaks to the cultural values of the time. In an era of rapid industrialization, the American landscape was seen as a source of spiritual renewal and national identity. Rau's choice to frame the lake with trees creates a sense of intimacy, inviting viewers to contemplate the scene. Yet this image is also a product of its time, reflecting the rise of photography as both an artistic medium and a tool for documenting the world. The meticulous detail achieved through the albumen process speaks to a desire for scientific accuracy, while the picturesque composition reveals the influence of landscape painting. By consulting period sources, such as guidebooks, travel accounts, and exhibition reviews, we can better understand the cultural meanings and social functions of this image. Art history helps us to see that photographs like this one were not simply neutral records but active participants in shaping perceptions of place and identity.