Yosemite Valley from Union Point 1870 - 1874

Carleton E. Watkins's "Yosemite Valley from Union Point" (1870-1874) is a breathtaking example of 19th-century landscape photography. The image captures the vast scale and grandeur of Yosemite Valley, showcasing its towering cliffs, verdant forests, and winding river. Watkins, a pioneer of large-format photography, employed meticulous techniques to create a sharp, detailed, and awe-inspiring view. The photograph's composition, with its dramatic perspective from a high vantage point, emphasizes the valley's majestic scale and the power of nature. It is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.