Yucca Gloriosa 1853 - 1856

John Dillwyn Llewelyn's "Yucca Gloriosa" (1853-1856) is a striking example of early photographic art. This salt print, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures a yucca plant in full bloom, showcasing Llewelyn's interest in botanical subjects. The image's soft focus and subtle tonal range create a sense of depth and tranquility, reminiscent of the Pictorialist movement. Llewelyn's artistic approach, evident in this detailed study of nature, contributed to the evolution of photography as a fine art form.