[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

This albumen print, created by Carleton E. Watkins between 1876 and 1880, captures the grandeur of Yosemite National Park in California. Watkins, a renowned photographer of the American West, utilized a large-format camera to create a stunning, circular composition, showcasing the park's towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. This image, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies Watkins's mastery of landscape photography and his ability to convey the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world.