Cape Horn, Columbia River 1867

Carleton E. Watkins's "Cape Horn, Columbia River," taken in 1867, is a stunning example of 19th-century landscape photography. The image features a dramatic view of a rocky cliff face along the Columbia River, a key waterway in the American West. The towering cliffs, dense forest, and vast river create a sense of grandeur and awe, highlighting the natural beauty of the American landscape. Watkins's use of light and shadow adds depth and detail to the image, capturing the ruggedness and wildness of the natural world. This photograph exemplifies Watkins's mastery of the photographic medium and his contribution to the development of landscape photography as a significant art form.