No. 69. Wabasha, Minnesota 1889

This cyanotype print, "No. 69. Wabasha, Minnesota," was created by Henry P. Bosse in the late 19th century. The image is dominated by cool blues, presenting a tranquil river scene encased in a rounded frame. Bosse's choice of the cyanotype process gives the photograph its distinctive monochromatic palette. This formal element is key; it's not just a representation of a place but an exploration of how a single color can define space and mood. The composition, split horizontally between the water and the sky, invites us to consider how these elements interact. The limited tonal range reduces detail, emphasizing basic forms and textures, altering our perception of reality by abstracting the scene. Bosse's image transforms the landscape into a study of form and tonality. This challenges traditional landscape photography, inviting viewers to look beyond representation and consider the photograph as an object of aesthetic contemplation.