Carleton E. Watkins 1829-1916

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, signed 'C. E. Watkins' and numbered 'No. 101' by the photographer in ink and titled and numbered by him in pencil on the mount, matted, 1865-66 (Era of Exploration, pl. 22 and fig. 168)

Presumably, the Gardner Collection of Photographs, Harvard University

To the present owner, 1965-66

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being an albumen print with deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates a 9. The print's dark areas are just a shade less intense than others in the Morse Collection. Still, the print is an impressive one with a wide range of lovely brown and cream tones. When the print is examined closely, some very faint soiling can be seen on the print's surface, primarily in the sky. This is not visible when the print is viewed normally. The mount is noticeably soiled. There is a 3-inch-long horizontal crease in the mount's lower edge, about 2 inches below the image.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present photograph presents a sweeping view of the Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, a promontory Watkins himself is likely to have named (cf. Lot 120).  The magnificent Half Dome rises in the middle distance, with Tenaya Canyon and Mount Lyell beyond. 

The Half Dome, an inspiration to photographers from the 19^th century to the present time, is believed to have been named the first day the Mariposa Battalion entered the Yosemite Valley in 1851.  In his Yosemite Place Names (Lafayette, California, 1988), Peter Browning relates that Private Champion Spencer, Company B, is reported to have 'looked a good long while at that split mountain, and called it a "half dome"' (p. 56).  Watkins took several views of Half Dome from the Valley floor in 1861.  In the mid-1860s, however, he began working from above, taking the photograph offered here, as well as others. 

Weston Naef and the Carleton Watkins Mammoth Plate Catalogue Raisonné Project locate 23 other prints of this image, most in institutional collections, but also including four that have appeared at auction in New York.