This image shows an old sepia-toned stereographic photograph of a scene under a stone arch bridge. The viewpoint is from beneath the arch looking out towards a small creek. The horizon is low beyond the arch and is obscured by bare winter trees. The stone arch is textured with visible individual bricks forming a classic structure. The photo has a monochromatic palette of subdued browns and grays. Closest to the viewer are uneven stone and rocky surfaces under the arch. In the distance, there is a figure relaxing against a slope beside the creek. The water in the creek reflects light, providing contrast to the darker tones of the stones and trees.
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This image shows an old sepia-toned stereographic photograph of a scene under a stone arch bridge. The viewpoint is from beneath the arch looking out towards a small creek. The horizon is low beyond the arch and is obscured by bare winter trees. The stone arch is textured with visible individual bricks forming a classic structure. The photo has a monochromatic palette of subdued browns and grays. Closest to the viewer are uneven stone and rocky surfaces under the arch. In the distance, there is a figure relaxing against a slope beside the creek. The water in the creek reflects light, providing contrast to the darker tones of the stones and trees.

National Gallery of Art · Photograph

A Peep through the Arch, Wissahickon

Francis T. Fassitt

Date
1862
Medium
stereoscopic albumen silver prints
Dimensions
image/sheet (each): 7.8 × 6.9 cm (3 1/16 × 2 11/16 in.) mount: 8.3 × 17.2 cm (3 1/4 × 6 3/4 in.)
Classification
Photograph
Accession number
2024.42.3
Credit line
Gift of Funds from Clinton and Jean Wright
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CPH

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • albumen silver print
  • Water
  • Man
  • Pennsylvania
  • landscape
  • Stereograph
Provenance

(Allen Weiner); (William L. Schaeffer / Photographs, Chester, CT); NGA purchase, 2024.

Inscription

on verso, center stamped in blue ink: F.T.F.; center right printed in black ink on applied label perpendicular: AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCHANGE CLUB. / [by artist in black ink: A peep through the / Arch. Wissahickon / Neg tannin. Alk Gold / Printed March 1862] / F. T. FASSITT, / PHILADELPHIA.

NGA object ID 206332. 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.