[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

Carleton E. Watkins’s “[Yosemite National Park, California]” (1876-1880) is a striking example of landscape photography. The image, presented in a circular format, captures the majestic beauty of Yosemite with a panoramic view of the valley and its surrounding mountains. Watkins's detailed use of light and shadow adds depth and drama to the scene, highlighting the grandeur of the natural landscape. The photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, reflects the romanticism of the American West and its allure for early photographers.