Untitled (view of the White Mountains) 1854

Editor: This is an albumen print by John Adams Whipple, titled *Untitled (view of the White Mountains)*. The mountain looms so large, it almost feels like a presence. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating capture. It's almost as if Whipple is trying to harness the sublime, that feeling of awe mixed with a bit of fear that nature inspires. The detail in the rock face is incredible, especially considering the early photographic process. Editor: I didn't realize albumen prints could capture so much detail! Curator: It was a finicky process, but look at the way he uses light and shadow to give the mountain real volume, a soul of sorts. It feels incredibly modern, almost abstract, doesn't it? Like a memory. Editor: It does. I’ll definitely look at albumen prints differently now. Curator: And I'm reminded that even landscapes can be portraits.