[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

Carleton E. Watkins's 1876-1880 albumen print, "[Yosemite National Park, California]", is a stunning example of 19th-century landscape photography. Captured in a circular format, the image showcases the serene beauty of Yosemite Valley with a clear, shallow river winding through a dense forest, framed by majestic granite cliffs in the distance. The photographer's use of a large-format camera and precise composition creates a sense of grandeur and scale. The image is a testament to the power of nature and the artistic vision of Watkins, who played a vital role in documenting and promoting the preservation of the American wilderness.