Eagle Point, 4,000 feet, Yosemite 1870 - 1874

Carleton Watkins' "Eagle Point, 4,000 feet, Yosemite" (1870-1874) is a stunning example of 19th-century landscape photography. Watkins, known for his large-format photographs of the American West, captured the grandeur of Yosemite Valley with masterful precision. The image showcases a serene river flowing through a dense forest, framed by towering granite cliffs. The interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and mystery, while the reflection of the trees in the water adds a sense of tranquility. This iconic photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a testament to the power of photography to document and celebrate the beauty of the natural world.