The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is currently hosting a fascinating exhibition that delves into the first 70 years of American photography. This exhibition explores the United States during a time of significant social, geographical, and industrial change. Jeff Rosenheim, the photography curator at the museum, highlights the importance of photography in modern culture, tracing its roots back to the 1840s and 50s.
Rosenheim notes the surprising speed with which photography gained popularity in the US, thanks to the incredible range of early American images in the William L Schaeffer Collection. The exhibition, titled “The New Art: American Photography, 1839-1910,” features 225 photographs that offer a unique perspective on American history during this transformative period.
One of the striking images in the exhibition is an anonymous daguerreotype from the 1950s, depicting a young man holding a chicken. This image captures the essence of early American life, showcasing the pride and optimism of the young farmer. The attention to detail in the photograph, from the boy’s freckles to the rooster’s feet, is remarkable and reflects the spirit of the American pioneers.
Another poignant image in the exhibition is an 1850s daguerreotype of a woman wearing a tignon, a cloth turban. This portrait serves as a reminder of the Tignon Law in colonial Louisiana, highlighting the theme of agency and positive self-representation in the face of racial discrimination.
The exhibition also features occupational portraits, such as an 1870 tintype of a railroad worker with his surveying equipment. These images reflect the pride people took in their work and their contributions to American society during a time of rapid industrialization and geographic expansion.
Photographers like Carleton E Watkins captured the awe-inspiring landscapes of America, showcasing the beauty and grandeur of the natural world. Watkins’ stereograph images provided viewers with a 3D experience, immersing them in the breathtaking scenery of the US.
The exhibition sheds light on the evolving relationship between Americans and their environment, as well as the impact of photography on shaping the nation’s identity. By uncovering lesser-known images and stories, the exhibition offers fresh insights into early American photography and its role in documenting the country’s history.
Overall, the exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a captivating journey through American photography’s formative years, offering a glimpse into the diverse and evolving landscape of the United States during a time of immense change.
