[Stag Shot by Mrs. Ross] 1857

“[Stag Shot by Mrs. Ross]” is a striking salt print photograph by British photographer Horatio Ross, taken in 1857. The image depicts a slain stag lying on a grassy hillside, captured with remarkable detail and clarity. Ross, known for his pioneering work in the field of photography, used his skills to document the natural world and explore the relationship between humans and the environment. This work showcases both the beauty and the mortality of nature, capturing a poignant moment in the cycle of life and death. The photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, offers a glimpse into the world of 19th-century hunting and the burgeoning art of photography.