[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

Carleton E. Watkins, a renowned American photographer, captured the grandeur of Yosemite National Park in this albumen print from 1876-1880. The image, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases a scenic vista of a small lake nestled amidst rocky terrain and towering trees. Watkins's meticulous detail and the circular format highlight the majestic scale of the natural landscape, demonstrating his pioneering approach to landscape photography. This photograph exemplifies Watkins's artistry in capturing the beauty of the American West, influencing the development of landscape photography.