Sentinel Rock, Yosemite 1870 - 1874

Curator: My first impression is hushed reverence. It feels ancient, like stepping back to when the world was brand new. Editor: We're looking at "Sentinel Rock, Yosemite," a gelatin-silver print created by Carleton Watkins between 1870 and 1874. The work now resides here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: That title really nails it, doesn’t it? This mountain looms, an unwavering guardian keeping watch over this silent, silvered kingdom. The framing by those branches adds to the sense of discovering a hidden place. Editor: Watkins’ work significantly shaped perceptions of the American West. These photographs, particularly those of Yosemite, were instrumental in advocating for the park’s preservation. Imagine seeing these images in the late 19th century. They played a key role in constructing the mythology of the untouched American frontier. Curator: Mythology is key, I think. Look at the light, how it etches the contours of the rock. It’s romantic but almost…unearthly. Like something glimpsed in a dream, not a precise record, but a feeling evoked. I also see a balance of soft edges, and sharpness; it makes me ponder how ephemeral it is! Editor: The technical skill involved shouldn't be overlooked. Watkins employed the wet plate collodion process. Think about lugging all that equipment around, preparing the plates on site. This image not only captures a landscape, but reflects the massive effort and artistry required at that time. Beyond artistic impression, it's a feat of human engineering, really! Curator: I agree, understanding the sheer effort behind it does change how I see it! But the core remains this feeling, this stillness. Maybe it's that whisper of timelessness that Watkins, deliberately or not, has passed down to us. Editor: Indeed. It’s an image layered with artistry, advocacy, and a tangible link to a pivotal period in American environmental history. Watkins documented a changing landscape while simultaneously helping secure its future. A visual and political triumph.