On display are chiefly American works by Carleton E. Watkins, William Henry Jackson, John Moran, Timothy O’Sullivan, William Bell, and others from the renowned collection of pioneer fellow dealer William L. Schaeffer. Assembled over more than fifty years, Schaeffer’s collection includes outstanding examples of various photographic processes from the second half of the 19th century, including work by early masters and unknown practitioners of vernacular photography. The collection reflects Willie Schaeffer’s discriminating taste and comprehensive grasp of American history, which gave him his nickname, “The Guy with the Eye.” Schaeffer was celebrated last year with an extraordinary exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum, The American Century, curated by Jeff Rosenheim.
Carleton E. Watkins (American, 1829-1916), "Washington Column, 2082 ft., Yosemite" Mirror view, 1865-1866 - Courtesy of the artist and Hans P. Kraus Jr.