Yosemite Valley from "Best General View"

ca. 1865

Not on view

In July 1866 Josiah Whitney reported that "Watkins is on the spot, with a most wonderful camp, and has taken many fine pictures, some of these I think will surpass anything he has ever done—especially the trail view from the Mariposa Trail & a spectacle from a spot two-thirds of the way down which we all think gives the best general view of the valley, and Watkins thinks his best picture." The single tree (carefully trimmed to keep from blocking the view) flags the outset of the course the eye will take in discovering the receding space in this beautifully orchestrated landscape.

Artwork Details

Title: Yosemite Valley from "Best General View"
Artist: Carleton E. Watkins (American, 1829–1916)
Date: ca. 1865
Medium: Albumen silver print from glass negative
Dimensions: Image: 39.4 x 52.1 cm (15 1/2 x 20 1/2 in.)
Mount: 50.2 x 60.6 cm (19 3/4 x 23 7/8 in.)
Frame: 60 x 74 cm (23 5/8 x 29 1/8 in.)
Classification: Photographs
Credit Line: Gilman Collection, Purchase, Harriette and Noel Levine Gift, 2005
Object Number: 2005.100.338
Curatorial Department: Photographs

More Artwork

By Carleton E. Watkins

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Nevada Fall, Yosemite

Carleton E. Watkins

1865–66, printed ca. 1875

Islands in the Upper Cascades, Oregon, Carleton E. Watkins American, Albumen silver print from glass negative — Islands in the Upper Cascades, Oregon
Carleton E. Watkins
1867, printed ca. 1876

Sutro Tunnel Shaft No. 3, Carleton E. Watkins American, Albumen silver print from glass negative — Sutro Tunnel Shaft No. 3
Carleton E. Watkins
1875, printed ca. 1876

Sutro Tunnel's Road to Virginia City, Carleton E. Watkins American, Albumen silver print from glass negative — Sutro Tunnel's Road to Virginia City
Carleton E. Watkins
1875, printed ca. 1876

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