Gezicht op de Waputik-bergketen before 1897

This photograph of the Waputik Mountains was taken by Walter Dwight Wilcox, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Wilcox, an early explorer of the Canadian Rockies, captured this view using photographic processes that were relatively new at the time. Consider the materials: glass plate negatives, light-sensitive chemicals, and printing paper, all combined through careful labor in both the field and the darkroom. The resulting black and white image emphasizes the stark contrast of light and shadow on the mountain's rugged face, highlighting its texture and scale. Photographs like this were crucial in shaping public perceptions of landscapes, making the remote accessible. More than that, this image should remind us of photography’s own materiality. The glass, the chemicals, the hand of the photographer: all contribute to the making of this vista. Understanding these elements allows us to fully appreciate both the artistry and the context of this work.