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Lot Essay
Muybridge first photographed in the Yosemite Valley in 1867, when he produced over 250 views in whole-plate and stereoscopic formats. Before embarking on a second expedition in the summer of 1872, he advertised for subscribers to contribute towards the cost of the forthcoming series. Subscribers, one of whom was the eminent landscape artist A. Bierstadt, could choose forty images from the series for 100 dollars. Muybridge produced over 500 negatives between June and November 1872 in various formats. The list, produced in April 1873 by his new publishers, Bradley & Rulofson, announced fifty views 17 x 21 inches from his mammoth 20 x 24 inch negatives.
These impressive large scale views immediately attracted national and international acclaim and Muybridge was awarded the Vienna Medal in 1874. Despite this attention it would appear that far fewer were sold, or have survived than those of his competitor Carleton Watkins. It is certainly rare to find such an extensive selection from this series on the market today.
These impressive large scale views immediately attracted national and international acclaim and Muybridge was awarded the Vienna Medal in 1874. Despite this attention it would appear that far fewer were sold, or have survived than those of his competitor Carleton Watkins. It is certainly rare to find such an extensive selection from this series on the market today.