Name: Untitled (AQTDLB)
Brand: WahooArt.com
SKU: aqtdlb
Price: 348.00 SGD
Availability: InStock

Related Artworks

Carleton Watkins

Untitled (AQTDK5)

Carleton Watkins

Untitled (AQTDLM)

Carleton Watkins

Untitled (AQTDKR)

Carleton Watkins

Untitled (AQTDMD)

Carleton Watkins

Untitled (AQTDHX)

Carleton Watkins

Untitled (AQTDLK)

carleton emmons watkins

Cascade, Nevada Falls, Yosemite, California

carleton emmons watkins

Mirror Lake, Yosemite Valley

carleton emmons watkins

Yosemite Falls -

Artist Biography

Carleton Watkins: Pioneer of Landscape Photography

Early Life and Origins (1829-1851)

Born: November 11, 1829, in Oneonta, New York.
Carleton E. Watkins was the eldest of eight children born to John and Julia Watkins, a carpenter and an innkeeper respectively.
He enjoyed a rural upbringing, developing skills as a hunter and fisherman, and participating in local activities like the glee club and Presbyterian church choir.
In 1851, driven by the allure of fortune, Watkins journeyed to San Francisco with his childhood friend, Collis Huntington.

Early Career & Photographic Beginnings (1851-1861)

Though initially unsuccessful in finding gold, both Watkins and Huntington found success in their respective fields.
Watkins began working as a supply deliverer for mining operations before becoming a store clerk at George Murray’s bookstore.
A pivotal moment: An unexpected vacancy at the studio of daguerreotypist Robert H. Vance led Watkins to an apprenticeship, despite having no prior photographic experience.
He quickly mastered the art form, surpassing his instructor and establishing a reputation for quality work.
By 1858, Watkins established his own photography business, undertaking commissions like illustrating California for James Mason Hutchings and documenting mining estates.

Yosemite & the Mammoth Plate Era (1861-1867)

The turning point: In July 1861, Watkins traveled to Yosemite Valley, equipped with his mammoth-plate camera (using 18x22 inch glass plates) and a stereoscopic camera.
He captured some of the first detailed photographs of Yosemite, showcasing its grandeur to an eastern audience.
These images were instrumental in convincing Congress to preserve Yosemite Valley as a national park – a testament to the power of visual documentation.
In 1864, he was commissioned by the California State Geological Survey to photograph Yosemite.
He opened his first public gallery in 1867 and exhibited at the Universal Exposition in Paris, earning a medal for his work.

Success, Setbacks & Later Life (1867-1916)

Watkins’ “Yosemite Art Gallery” displayed over a hundred large Pacific Coast views and thousands of stereoscopic images.
Business Challenges: Despite artistic success, Watkins struggled with business management and lost his gallery to creditor J.J. Cook, who then reproduced his work without credit due to the lack of copyright laws for photographs at the time.
He responded by creating a “New Series” of images, attempting to reclaim his artistic vision.
Watkins married Frances Sneed in 1879 and had two children: Julia (born 1881) and Collis (born 1883).
Progressive eyesight loss hampered his work in the 1890s, culminating in an inability to complete a commission from Phoebe Hearst.

Final Years & Legacy

Financial hardship led the Watkins family to live in a railroad car for eighteen months.
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed his studio, along with countless photographs and negatives.
Watkins retired to Capay Ranch and was declared incompetent in 1910, entering the Napa State Hospital for the Insane.
Death: He died in 1916 and was buried in an unmarked grave on hospital grounds.
Watkins’ legacy endures as a pioneer of landscape photography, whose images not only captured the beauty of the American West but also played a crucial role in its preservation.

Carleton Watkins

1829 - 1916

Quick Facts

Birth Date: November 11, 1829
Birth Place: Oneonta, New York
Death Date: 1916
Influenced: United States conservation efforts
Influenced By: Robert H. Vance
Movement: American Landscape Photography
Name: Carleton Watkins
Nationality: American
Notable Works:
- The Devil
- Pohono, Bridal Veil, 900 Feet, Yosemite
- Castle Rock, Columbia River

Albert Bierstadt: Luminosity, Landscape & the American Ideal

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Albert Bierstadt, master of the American West & a leading figure in the Hudson River School. Discover his luminous style and iconic paintings – a timeless investment for art lovers.

Explore Article read article

From Snapshot to Canvas: The Art of Transforming Travel Photography into Timeless Oil Paintings

Transform your cherished travel photos into timeless oil paintings with expert artists at WahooArt.com. Museum-quality reproductions & custom portraits – preserve your memories beautifully.

Explore Article read article

Beyond the Lens: Photography's Enduring Influence on Modern & Contemporary Art

Explore photography's pivotal role in shaping modern & contemporary art. Discover key movements, influential artists like Stieglitz, and expert collecting advice from WahooArt.

Explore Article read article

William Trost Richards: Luminism, Spirituality & the American Landscape Tradition

Explore the captivating landscapes of William Trost Richards, a master of Luminism associated with both the Hudson River School & American Pre-Raphaelite movements. Discover his spiritual connection to nature and lasting influence on American art.

Explore Article read article

Fyodor Vasilyev: A Poetic Vision of Russian Landscape – Life, Legacy, and the Transience of Nature

Explore the captivating world of Fyodor Vasilyev, a pioneering Russian landscape painter. Discover his lyrical style, influential works like 'Clouds' & lasting legacy. Learn about his life, artistic journey & impact on Russian art history.

Explore Article read article

Carleton Watkins: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.