Rand van de Vernal-waterval in Yosemite National Park 1890

This albumen print of the Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park was created by Isaiah West Taber around 1890. The photograph presents a dramatic composition, characterized by its contrasting textures and tonal range. The smooth, almost ethereal quality of the cascading water is juxtaposed against the rough, solid forms of the surrounding rock faces and the dense thicket of trees. The structural elements here are quite striking. Taber’s choice to frame the waterfall from an elevated perspective emphasizes the sheer verticality of the fall, creating a sense of depth and grandeur. The strong lines of the cliff edges and the upward thrust of the trees draw the viewer's eye upward, while the mist at the base of the falls softens the scene, adding a layer of atmospheric complexity. The sepia tones further enhance the photograph's aesthetic impact, lending it a timeless quality. This image serves not just as a representation of a natural wonder but also as a carefully constructed meditation on space, depth, and the sublime.