[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

This albumen print, "Yosemite National Park, California" by Carleton E. Watkins, showcases the serene beauty of the park's natural landscapes. Taken between 1876 and 1880, the photograph features a circular composition, framing a river snaking through a dense forest and revealing a majestic mountain peak in the distance. Watkins' use of detail and light highlights the intricacies of the natural world, inviting viewers to experience the tranquility of Yosemite through his lens. The image, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Watkins' significant contributions to American landscape photography.