Cape Horn near Celilo 1867

Carleton Watkins made this photograph, *Cape Horn near Celilo*, in the 19th century. The sepia tones evoke a sense of the past and an aesthetic of early photography. The composition is striking: a large rock formation dominates the right side, balanced by a distant, hazy landscape on the left, and a set of railroad tracks cut through the center. Watkins masterfully uses the railway tracks as a leading line, drawing our eyes into the depths of the image, thus creating a sense of depth and perspective. This formal element is not just about aesthetics; it symbolizes progress and the encroachment of industry on the natural landscape. The massive rock face looming over the tracks can be interpreted as a confrontation between nature and technology. The photograph's muted palette and stark composition challenge the romantic idea of the American West, presenting a more complex view of its development and its impact. It invites us to consider the cultural and historical context of landscape photography and its role in shaping perceptions of the environment.