August 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2013
Rare Carleton Watkins 1860's ''mammoth plate'' albumen photograph of ''Mirror Lake, Yosemite'' (Also called ''The North Dome (Fully Reflected)'' in other prints.) One of the preeminent early Western photographers, Watkins' photos are coveted not only for their natural beauty, but for the opportunity to peek through the window to see pre-settled America. Having come to California during the Gold Rush, Watkins soon became passionate for landscape photography and scenes of mining activity. His focus upon Yosemite Valley at the time of this photograph influenced the U.S. Congress to establish it as a National Park in 1864. Stunning, large photo is mounted to a in a simple wood board measuring 21.25'' x 26'', with a handwritten inscription on the board reading ''Mirror Lake, Yosemite''. Photo measures 15.5'' x 20.5'', with a bluish cast in the sky caused by a reflection from shooting outdoors. The North Dome mountain was later renamed Mount Watkins after the photographer. Staining to bottom edge of mount and slightly irregualr edges including a small dent to the left edge and two small dents to the bottom edge, else near fine.
Large 17.75'' x 20.75'' Albumen Photo by Carleton Watkins -- The Renowned Early Western Photographer -- Of 1860's Yosemite Valley
Click above for larger image.