Three Tetons c. 1870

Editor: This is William Henry Jackson's "Three Tetons," undated, at the Harvard Art Museums. The photograph's stark beauty is captivating. What compositional elements strike you most? Curator: The tonal gradations are exquisite. Note how Jackson uses the stark contrast between light and shadow to define form and create depth. The interplay of textures, from the smooth snow to the jagged rocks, is also remarkable. Editor: I see that. It's all about contrasts. Curator: Precisely. Consider the implications of these formal choices. How does the balance of these elements contribute to the overall aesthetic effect? Editor: It emphasizes the grandeur of nature. Thank you, I understand that better now.