Portret van James Mason Hutchings before 1886

This portrait of James Mason Hutchings, a prominent figure in the exploration and preservation of Yosemite National Park, was created by Thomas Houseworth, a notable artist who specialized in portraiture. The image showcases Hutchings in a formal setting, his white beard and piercing gaze hinting at his wisdom and determination. This photograph, created before 1886, likely served as a frontispiece for one of Hutchings' published works, reflecting the importance of his writings in shaping public perception of Yosemite. The image is a valuable historical artifact that connects us to a key figure in the early days of Yosemite's conservation movement.