Father of the Forest 1865 - 1866

"Father of the Forest" (1865-1866) is a striking photographic print by Carleton E. Watkins, a prominent figure in 19th century American landscape photography. This image showcases a colossal fallen redwood tree in a California forest, its size emphasized by a ladder leaning against its trunk. Watkins's work, often characterized by its meticulous detail and romantic aesthetic, captured the grandeur of the American West, highlighting the beauty and power of nature, inspiring wonder and awe in viewers. The image, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a glimpse into the vast and untouched landscapes of the past.