Untitled (Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park)

Curator: This albumen print, attributed to F. Jay Haynes, presents us with a striking view of Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. Editor: It's quite monochromatic; the sepia tones evoke a sense of timelessness, don't you think? There's also a clear emphasis on the plume's verticality against the dark trees. Curator: Absolutely, and consider Haynes's choice of albumen paper. The materiality is crucial. It allows for incredibly fine detail in capturing the texture of the steam and the rugged terrain. Editor: But think of the industrial context! The railroads enabled both tourism to these sites and the mass distribution of these images, commodifying the sublime. Curator: Still, there's an undeniable elegance in how Haynes composed the image, dividing the scene into distinct planes. Editor: It makes one consider the human impact on such a dramatic and geologic wonder. Curator: I agree. Seeing it from these differing viewpoints gives the image more depth. Editor: It is truly more than initially meets the eye.