[Stag Trophy Head, Killed by Ned Ross] 1858

Horatio Ross’s 1858 calotype, “[Stag Trophy Head, Killed by Ned Ross]”, depicts the mounted antlers and skull of a stag. The image is notable for its stark simplicity, a testament to the emerging power of photography to capture the detail and presence of natural specimens. Ross, an avid hunter and pioneer of photography, used his artistic skills to document his passion for the outdoors. The image highlights the stag’s impressive antlers, emphasizing their intricate branching patterns and the animal’s size. This photograph is an example of early wildlife photography and reflects the intersection of hunting and artistic pursuits in the 19th century.