albumen silver print
In this photograph Carleton WATKINS shows to us the immensity of nature by using vertical format. This granite wall is famous in the field of climbing for its great difficulty. The format reveals the entire steep side of El Capitan cliff. Following Carleton WATKINS great landscape photographers have immortalized the place: William Henry JACKSON or Ansel ADAMS to name a few. The majority of them will resume this vertical composition, which is reminiscent of Japanese prints. Japonism, that was then in vogue among Western artists between 1860 and 1890. His influence can be seen in painting by Vincent van GOGH (1853-1890) or James TISSOT (1836-1902). It is found in American photographers of the next generation, such as Edward STEICHEN (1879-1973) or Joseph STIEGLITZ (1864-1946).
Know more: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/259681