Gezicht op de Yosemite Valley vanaf Sentinel Dome before 1868

Carleton Watkins captured this striking view of Yosemite Valley from Sentinel Dome using a photograph. The composition divides the landscape into distinct horizontal bands, creating a layered effect. Light plays a crucial role, accentuating the textures of the rock formations and the dense forest below. Watkins employs a high vantage point, giving us a panoramic sweep that flattens the space, reducing the depth to a series of planes. This approach challenges traditional landscape painting perspectives, inviting us to consider photography's unique ability to reshape our perception of space. The tonal range, from bright highlights to deep shadows, adds a dramatic contrast, emphasizing the sublime and the raw power of nature. Ultimately, Watkins' photograph transcends mere representation, and its enduring impact lies in its ability to alter our perception and challenge us to rethink our relationship with the natural world.