No. 6. From South Approach of Franklin Ave Bridge, Minneapolis, Minnesota Looking Up Stream (Low Water) 1890

Henry P. Bosse created this cyanotype photograph, "No. 6," around 1890, capturing the Franklin Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis. The work is dominated by a monochromatic blue, giving it a serene, almost dreamlike quality. The composition is structured around the river's flow, leading the eye toward the horizon where the city meets the sky. Bosse's choice of the cyanotype process is critical. This early photographic technique, known for its distinctive blue tint, transforms the landscape into a study of tone and texture. The stark contrast between the icy riverbanks and the dark, dense treeline emphasizes the structured elements of the natural and built environment. This approach creates a dialogue between nature and the burgeoning urban landscape, questioning their relationship. The circular frame isolates the scene, inviting a focused consideration of how we perceive and categorize space. Bosse prompts us to consider the interplay between the environment and technology. This photograph stands as an ongoing testament to the evolving dialogue between art, science, and society.