No. 90. From bluffs at Trempealueau, Wisconsin Looking Up Stream 1885

This photoprint of the bluffs at Trempealeau, Wisconsin, was made by Henry Bosse, likely in 1888, using the cyanotype process. This technique, which yields a distinctive Prussian blue image, was often used for architectural plans, earning it the nickname "blueprint." Bosse, however, elevated it to an art form. The tonal range isn't extensive, but the rich blue color creates a beautiful overall effect. Bosse was a self-taught photographer, and a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who were responsible for mapping and developing the Upper Mississippi. His images were not only artistic but also served a practical purpose, documenting the landscape for engineering purposes. The cyanotype process was relatively inexpensive and easy to reproduce, making it ideal for this kind of documentation. So, while Bosse’s images are undeniably beautiful, they also speak to the intersection of art, industry, and the shaping of the American landscape. This piece challenges our conventional understanding of art by combining aesthetic value with utilitarian function.