Frowning Cliff, distant view, Watkins Glen, N.Y. 1863 - 1903

This stereoscopic photograph, "Frowning Cliff, distant view, Watkins Glen, N.Y." was created by Charles Bierstadt between 1863 and 1903. The photograph, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, is a prime example of the popular 19th-century practice of using photography to document and share picturesque landscapes. The image captures a view of the Watkins Glen Gorge in upstate New York, known for its dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Through the stereoscopic effect, viewers could experience a sense of depth and immersion in the scene, making the rugged beauty of the natural world more accessible.