On the Conemaugh near New Florence, Pennsylvania

Assuming the view of a passenger aboard the Pennsylvania Railroad, William H. Rau made this panoramic photograph overlooking a bend in the Conemaugh River. Though the area appears untouched by humans, the tracks of the railroad are just visible at the far right-a suppressed detail within the pastoral landscape. As an official photographer for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1890s, Rau was specifically directed by the company to select interesting views. This attractive image of a glassy, meandering river could have served as a company advertisement.