Nature Scapes
This page features a curation of twenty-four photographs from the album collection of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York by George E. Curtis, taken between 1860-1870. This collection, falls under the category entitled “Nature Scapes”. Through capturing the sublime beauty of the landscapes surrounding Niagara Falls, Curtis’ photographs played a huge role in sharing and promoting the area on a world wide level. These series of photographs embody the importance of photography at the time as they encapsulate the stylistic approaches of the newly evolving medium. With this ability to capture and share authentic imagery of a specific landscape, Niagara Falls became one of the most popular subjects to photograph at the time. This worked to heavily promote the area, as a must-see tourist attraction and led to the development of the area as an appealing tourist destination.
Crystal Grotto, Niagara
Within the collection of Nature Scapes, several of the photographs were taken during the winter, as the mist from the Falls covered the landscape in a thick sheet of ice, creating breathtaking scenery. The photographs of winter are a great example of the wonder of Niagara Falls as a captivating area to visit in all seasons.
The image appears to be frozen trees surrounding a frozen arch (possibly Prospect Park).
Statue Tree, Niagara
Ice Coated Trees
The image appears to be ice coated trees in a park (perhaps Luna Park).
(pictured left)
The image appears to be an ice coated tree at the American Falls.
(pictured right)
Ice Mountain
The two photographs exhibited here show how at the time visitors had more freedom to explore landscape surrounding the Falls and the fact that there were less safety measures in place. Through the presence of the human figures we are able to comprehend the sheer scale of the Falls and the immense ice formations that are created in the winter months.
Horseshoe Falls
Great Icicles
Giant icicle formed from freezing falling water.