Staffa before 1868

This calotype photograph titled “Staffa” by Stephen Thompson, taken before 1868, captures a dramatic view of the Fingal’s Cave, a natural sea cave on the island of Staffa, Scotland. The cave is renowned for its unique basalt columns that resemble a giant organ. The image showcases the grandeur of this natural wonder with a contrasting light and shadow that emphasize the texture and shape of the basalt columns. Thompson’s use of the calotype process, an early photographic technique, adds a sense of depth and detail to the composition, highlighting the awe-inspiring beauty of the cave.