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The image shows a calm river framed by trees. The horizon is obscured by the dense foliage on the opposite bank. The water reflects the trees, creating symmetry. The scene is in sepia tone, giving it a vintage look. The lush, dense foliage indicates abundant plant life. Light filters through the leaves, adding texture. The composition leads the eye towards the river, creating a serene atmosphere.
Read the visual description

The image shows a calm river framed by trees. The horizon is obscured by the dense foliage on the opposite bank. The water reflects the trees, creating symmetry. The scene is in sepia tone, giving it a vintage look. The lush, dense foliage indicates abundant plant life. Light filters through the leaves, adding texture. The composition leads the eye towards the river, creating a serene atmosphere.

National Gallery of Art · Photograph

Bethlehem, Calypso Island

William H. Rau

Date
c. 1895
Medium
albumen silver print
Dimensions
image: 43.5 × 52 cm (17 1/8 × 20 1/2 in.) mount: 49.7 × 60.5 cm (19 9/16 × 23 13/16 in.)
Classification
Photograph
Accession number
2014.29.1.38
Credit line
Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund
Time span
1876 to 1900
Department
CPH
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
Property of the Lehigh Valley Central R.R. Co.

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • albumen silver print
  • Trees
  • Railroad
  • Pennsylvania
  • landscape
Provenance

(sale, Houser Auctioneers, Schnecksville, PA, 22 February 2014); (Vintage Works, Ltd., Chalfont, PA); NGA purchase, 2014.

Inscription

bottom left, in typeset lettering printed through negative: 627 BETHLEHEM. CALYPSO ISLAND. L.V.R.R.; bottom right: WILLIAM H. RAU, PHILA.

NGA object ID 165398. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.