The Pride of the Forest - Calaveras Grove 1876 - 1880

Carleton E. Watkins's "The Pride of the Forest - Calaveras Grove" (1876-1880) is a stunning example of 19th-century landscape photography. This albumen print depicts a giant sequoia tree in the Calaveras Grove, California, a place known for its towering redwoods. The image features a large tree with two figures standing by its base, emphasizing the scale of the natural world. The circular format, reminiscent of early photographic techniques, contributes to the overall sense of awe and wonder. Watkins’s work was influential in promoting the preservation of America’s natural beauty.