George Barker

American, born Canada, 1844 - 1894

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This image shows a wide waterfall with water flowing down in thick streams. The perspective is slightly elevated from the left side. The horizon is not clearly visible due to mist from the water. A treeline is visible above the falls. Closest to us, there is a boat with smoke coming from its stack moving through the waters. To the left, there is a structure with a long narrow roof extending towards the water, perhaps a dock or walk path. The color palette is mainly sepia tones, giving the image an antique, monochromatic look with variations in brown and cream, highlighting the texture of the water and the landscape.
George Barker, Niagara Falls, c. 1890, albumen silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Paul Roth and Cyntia Karnes), 2015.19.5200

Niagara Falls

George Barker · c. 1890 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5200

The image shows a scene with an elevated point of view, possibly taken from a higher position. There are trees with thin trunks and Spanish moss in the background, partially obscuring the horizon. In the water, some small boats and a steamboat are visible, with smoke coming from the steamboat's chimney. The image has a sepia tone, giving it a vintage look, and a color palette of browns and beiges. In the distance, there is a train track, a wooden structure, and a few figures engaging in various activities.
George Barker, Silver Springs, Florida, c. 1886, albumen silver print, Alfred H. Moses and Fern M. Schad Fund, 2017.61.1

Silver Springs, Florida

George Barker · c. 1886 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  2017.61.1

The image shows a sepia-toned view of a large waterfall cascading over a rocky cliff. The horizon is visible at the top with buildings, including one with a flag, silhouetted against the sky. The flowing water appears smooth and misty due to a long exposure, descending from the top of the falls to the river below. Rocks disrupt the water's flow, creating white splashes. The image has a soft, blurred quality due to motion in the water. The color palette is muted and vintage, emphasizing textures and contrasts rather than distinct colors. In the distance, dense trees flank the structures.
George Barker, Niagara, 1860s-1870s, albumen silver print, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 1995.36.11

Niagara

George Barker · 1860s-1870s · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.36.11

Bibliography

1880

  • Gardner, James T., Director. Special Report of New York State Survey of the Preservation of the Scenery of Niagara Falls, and Fourth Annual Report of the Triangulation of the State. For the Year 1879. Albany, 1880.