[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

Carleton Watkins made this albumen print of Yosemite National Park, California, in the mid-nineteenth century. It's a seemingly straightforward landscape, yet its social and institutional context reveals a complex interplay of art, politics, and economics. Watkins's photographs, celebrated for their sublime beauty, played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the American West. His images helped persuade Congress to pass the Yosemite Grant in 1864, protecting the valley from commercial development. But we should remember that this act of preservation came at the expense of the native inhabitants, the Ahwahnechee people, who were displaced from their ancestral lands. To truly understand this photograph, we must consider the political and social forces that shaped its creation and reception. Museum archives and historical societies can provide invaluable insights into the complex history of Yosemite and the role of photography in shaping its image. By acknowledging these factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the artistic and cultural significance of Watkins's work.