North Dome on left - Royal Arches - Washington Column 1861

Carleton E. Watkins's 1861 photograph, "North Dome on left - Royal Arches - Washington Column," captures the awe-inspiring grandeur of Yosemite Valley. The towering granite cliffs, including the iconic North Dome, Royal Arches, and Washington Column, dominate the composition, while a tranquil stream and verdant forest foreground provide a sense of scale. Watkins's use of a large-format camera and meticulous detail emphasizes the vastness of the landscape, showcasing the natural beauty of the American West during a pivotal era of westward expansion. The image, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Watkins's mastery of landscape photography and its role in shaping the public's perception of Yosemite National Park.