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Niagara Falls

1853–58
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
In 1853, long before it became commonplace for tourists to make snapshots of one another standing in front of famous sites, Platt Babbitt set up business in an open pavilion at Niagara Falls’ prime viewing point. His impressive daguerreotypes allowed visitors to take home not only a view of the spectacular landscape and a memory of the misty air and roaring sound, but also undeniable proof that they had stood at the edge of the falls.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Niagara Falls
  • Artist: Platt D. Babbitt (American, active 1840s–70s)
  • Date: 1853–58
  • Medium: Daguerreotype
  • Dimensions: Image: 6 1/2 × 8 1/2 in. (16.5 × 21.6 cm)
    Case (closed): 7 1/16 in. × 9 1/8 in. (18 × 23.2 cm)
    Case (open, approx): 14 1/8 in. x 9 1/8 in.
  • Classification: Photographs
  • Credit Line: William L. Schaeffer Collection, Promised Gift of Jennifer and Philip Maritz, in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary
  • Object Number: L.2019.57.85
  • Curatorial Department: Photographs