Donner Lake. C. P. R. R 1876 - 1880

"Donner Lake. C. P. R. R" is a circular albumen print by Carleton E. Watkins, a renowned photographer of the American West. Taken between 1876 and 1880, this image captures a dramatic vista of Donner Lake, California, with the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background. The photograph documents the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad, showcasing the challenging terrain and the engineering feats required to build this iconic railway. This image, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcases Watkins' masterful use of light and composition to depict the grandeur of the American landscape.