Mirror View of the Three Brothers, Yosemite 1870 - 1874

Carleton E. Watkins' "Mirror View of the Three Brothers, Yosemite" (1870-1874) is a stunning example of landscape photography. Watkins, a pioneer in the field, captured the grandeur of Yosemite Valley through his large-format camera and the use of the collodion process. The reflection of the Three Brothers rock formation in the still waters of the Merced River creates a mesmerizing mirrored effect, emphasizing the natural beauty and scale of the Yosemite landscape. This iconic photograph, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflects the artistic exploration of the American West in the 19th century.