[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

Carleton E. Watkins, a renowned photographer known for his landscapes of the American West, captured the grandeur of Yosemite National Park in this albumen print from 1876–80. Watkins's image showcases the iconic granite cliffs reflected in the still waters of a lake, creating a symmetrical and balanced composition. This photograph, part of a larger album of his work, was essential in promoting Yosemite's beauty to the wider public and contributed to its establishment as a national park in 1890. Watkins's meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of light and shadow highlight the natural wonders of the American landscape, making this a classic example of 19th-century landscape photography.