FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Carleton Watkins photo that is for sale, please email [email protected] or call the Nate D. Sanders Auction House (http://www.NateDSanders.com) office at (310) 440-2982.

Carleton Watkins Photo Sold at Nate D. Sanders Auctions

Carleton Watkins moved to California from New York in 1849 during the gold rush. He didn’t find success in gold mining, and a few years later began working in photography. Watkins began taking photographs of Yosemite in 1861. It’s believed that Congress saw his stunning images of Yosemite which led President Lincoln to sign the Yosemite Act in 1864, preserving the area as a state park. Watkins was also commissioned by the California Geological Survey to take photos of Yosemite.

We sold an albumen Carleton Watkins photo at auction for $2,420. Please see lot details below.

Enormous 20.75″ x 17.5″ Albumen Photo by Carleton Watkins of 1860’s Yosemite Valley — Signed by Watkins, the Renowned Early Western Photographer

Rare Carleton Watkins 1860’s “mammoth plate” albumen photograph of a Yosemite Valley hunting party. 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 housed in a simple period frame measuring 32.5″ x 29″. Photo measures 20.75″ x 17.5″, with “C.E. Watkins” signature at lower right. Minor dark burn mark in central sky area, else near fine. Sold for $2,420.

Enormous 20.75″ x 17.5″ Albumen Photo by Carleton Watkins of 1860’s Yosemite Valley — Signed by Watkins, the Renowned Early Western Photographer. Click to enlarge.

FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Carleton Watkins photo that is for sale, please email [email protected] or call the Nate D. Sanders Auction House (http://www.NateDSanders.com) office at (310) 440-2982.

Nate D. Sanders Auctions offers the following services for your Carleton Watkins photo:

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