[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

Carleton E. Watkins, a renowned American photographer known for his large-format landscapes, captured this picturesque scene in Yosemite National Park between 1876 and 1880. The albumen print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases a Victorian-era building with its wraparound porch nestled amidst towering trees. The image is a circular vignette that draws the viewer's eye to the central structure and its serene surroundings. Watkins's keen eye for detail and masterful use of light and shadow create a timeless portrayal of Yosemite's natural grandeur.