Gezicht op Yosemite Fall in Yosemite Valley, Californië before 1886

Editor: Here we have a gelatin silver print, "Gezicht op Yosemite Fall in Yosemite Valley, Californië", it means "View of Yosemite Falls", by S.C. Walker, dated before 1886. The sharp contrast of the falls against the dark trees surrounding it is quite striking. What can you tell me about the context in which this image might have been made? Curator: Considering the date, this photograph likely coincided with a rising public awareness of the American West. The Yosemite Valley, in particular, was becoming a popular tourist destination, aided by railroad expansion and a growing interest in landscape photography. How do you think images like this contributed to that growth in tourism and awareness? Editor: Well, it seems like photographs could inspire people to visit, portraying the sublime nature… but at the same time, who had access to the area and to these kinds of pictures? Curator: Exactly! Access is key. This was the era of manifest destiny, and visual representations played a vital role in shaping public perceptions. This image likely circulated amongst wealthier individuals and institutions. We should ask whose narratives were prioritized and whose were silenced in promoting the Valley. How might this image, while beautiful, also gloss over the history and displacement of Indigenous peoples in that region? Editor: That’s a powerful point. It makes me think about the power of images to shape a national identity, even if that identity isn't inclusive of everyone's experiences. I hadn't really considered that this image may not depict the full picture. Curator: Precisely. Understanding the socio-political context challenges us to examine these photographs critically and not just admire their aesthetic value. Images like this were crucial in promoting a particular idea of the American landscape. Editor: Thanks. Thinking about the image in this way, as an artifact with cultural significance, adds a lot of depth. It shows how photography is always political in some way.