Historic Spanish Record of the Conquest. South Side of Inscription Rock, New Mexico, No. 3

1873. Albumen silver print from glass negative on publisher's printed mount. In this captivating photograph, the realms of American art history and the West converge, illuminating the profound narratives of westward expansion.

Crafted by the visionary lens of Timothy O'Sullivan, whose photographic journey began documenting the harrowing scenes of the Civil War under Mathew Brady's tutelage, this image gives viewer a glimpse at an important part of the long history of western United States. O'Sullivan's lens, once focused on battlefields, now turns toward survey teams exploring uncharted territories, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's destiny. From mapping future railroad routes to unearthing geological wonders, his pioneering work became an indispensable part of the knowledge systems that enabled the settlement and development of the West. Commissioned for Lt. George M. Wheeler's ambitious survey of the 100th Meridian, O'Sullivan's distinct style merges seamlessly with the survey's topographical goals, weaving a captivating visual narrative. Beneath the surface of this remarkable photograph lies a story of conquest and exploration. A Spanish inscription, meticulously carved by Ensign Don Joseph de Paybe Basconzelos in 1726, echoes the self-assured proclamations of noble men, immortalizing the acts of the Spanish in the West. The photograph's impact is further heightened when contextualized within its historic birthplace: El Morro, also known as Inscription Rock, majestically nestled in western New Mexico. This sacred site, shaped by over two millennia of human encounters, bears witness to the ebb and flow of civilizations. Adorned with pictographs left by diverse figures seeking solace at its sheltered water hole, El Morro becomes a tangible embodiment of conquest. From the enduring inscriptions of Don Juan de Oñate, the Spanish visionary who catalyzed Upper Rio Grande settlement in 1598, to General Don Diego de Vargas, who reestablished control after the Pueblo revolt from 1680 to 1692, and finally to U.S. General Stephen Kearney, whose 1846 occupation of Santa Fe marked a turning point in colonization and thus El Morro's surface became a cherished autograph book for conquerors. In the interplay of artistry, history, and conquest, this photograph unveils a monumental tapestry of Western expansion. It serves as a visual portal, beckoning viewers to delve into the complexities of American art history and the allure of the West.