Art Whisper
Art Whisper
William H. Key, 1872
This photograph captures a hidden spring in Kanab Cañon, offering a glimpse into the scientific and visual documentation of the American West during the great surveys of the 1870s.
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In this striking stereo albumen print, a natural spring emerges from a rocky overhang in Kanab Cañon, its waters cascading into a pool below. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the cool, damp environment, with the rough textures of the rock face clearly visible. This image was part of a series documenting the "Geographical Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian," a significant scientific and military expedition in the American West. The photographic survey aimed to map and record the landscape, its geology, and potential resources, serving both scientific inquiry and the expansionist ambitions of the era. The inclusion of the water's temperature, 69° Fahrenheit, highlights the scientific rigor of the expedition, transforming a beautiful natural scene into valuable data for a growing nation.
Observe the delicate rivulets of water dripping from the rock face into the pool.
Notice the small figure of a person standing at the edge of the pool.
See the distinct layers and striations in the canyon walls.
This photograph captures a hidden spring in Kanab Cañon, offering a glimpse into the scientific and visual documentation of the American West during the great…
William H. Key was an American engraver and medalist, whose work included creating intricate designs for coins and commemorative medals.
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