[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

This 1876-1880 albumen print by Carleton E. Watkins, titled "[Yosemite National Park, California]", depicts a serene scene of a lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The image, framed within a circular format, showcases the photographer's mastery of capturing the grandeur of nature, emphasizing the vastness of the landscape and the tranquility of the water. Watkins's skillful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, enhancing the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park, a place that has long captivated artists and visitors alike. The image, now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the enduring power of photography to document and celebrate the wonders of the natural world.