Bear Lake c. 1895

William H. Rau created this photograph, "Bear Lake," using a large-format camera, likely in the late 19th century. It captures a serene, wooded landscape mirrored in the still waters of the lake. This image emerges from a period when American landscape photography was deeply intertwined with notions of expansion and preservation. As the nation industrialized, artists like Rau helped shape a vision of untouched wilderness. The romantic framing of nature as a space for leisure reflects the growing middle class and their desire for recreational retreats. Consider too, the institutional context: photography gained recognition as an art form, displayed in galleries and world fairs. Historical archives, period publications, and exhibition catalogues offer further insight into Rau's career and the cultural values projected onto these landscapes. By exploring these resources, we can understand how photographs like "Bear Lake" contributed to a larger narrative about America's relationship with its environment.