Geographical and Geological Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian, Seasons of 1871, 1872, and 1873

Art Historical Context

Step into the rugged landscapes of the American West with *Geographical and Geological Explor and Surveys West of the100th Meridian, Seasons 1871, 1872, and 1873*, a stunning bound volume of albumen prints by photographers Timothy H. O'Sullivan and William H. Bell, published in 1873 This hefty tome, measuring 40.5 × 53.6 × 6.5 cm, captures the dramatic vistas, rock formations, and vast terrains explored during U.S. government surveys beyond the 100th meridian—the dividing line between the humid East and arid West. O'Sullivan, renowned for his Civil War photography, and Bell brought pioneering documentary precision to these expeditions, producing images that blended scientific record-keeping with artistic vision. Albumen prints, the era's gold standard for photography, offered exceptional detail and tonal richness through egg-white emulsions, making these views vivid portals to uncharted frontiers. The volume served as both a report for Congress and a visual testament to Manifest Destiny, fueling public fascination with western expansion. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Corcoran Collection since 1886, this work highlights photography's role in shaping national identity, bridging art, science, and exploration in the Gilded Age. A true treasure for history buffs!