South Dome, Yosemite 1870 - 1874

Carleton E. Watkins's "South Dome, Yosemite" (1870-1874) is a striking example of 19th-century landscape photography. The photograph captures the dramatic scale and grandeur of Yosemite Valley, showcasing the iconic South Dome from a precarious vantage point. Watkins's use of a large-format camera and meticulous printing process resulted in a highly detailed and technically impressive image that showcases the raw beauty of the American wilderness. The photograph is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.