[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

Carleton Watkins captured Yosemite National Park in this circular photograph, a window to the American sublime. The stillness of the water mirrors the sky and the imposing cliffs, inviting contemplation. Note the prominent placement of the trees, symbols of strength and longevity. Since ancient times, trees have represented the connection between the earthly and the divine. Think of the Tree of Life, found in countless cultures, its roots delving into the underworld, its branches reaching for the heavens. The image evokes a sense of primal awe, tapping into our collective memory of nature's grandeur. Such landscapes touch us deeply, stirring emotions and subconscious recognition of a power greater than ourselves. In the Romantic era, this echoed a longing for the untouched, a rebellion against industrialization. Yet, even as we gaze upon it, we bring our own histories, shaping and reshaping its meaning. The photograph becomes a dynamic site of cultural memory, revealing the cyclical dance between nature, culture, and the human psyche.