William H. Rau Paintings

William Herman Rau was a prominent American photographer, known for his contributions to landscape and commercial photography in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on January 1, 1855, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rau was introduced to the world of photography at a young age, as his father, Peter Rau, was a commercial photographer. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for photography, leading Rau to embark on a career that would see him become one of the preeminent photographers of his time.

Rau began his professional journey in the 1870s, working for his father and learning the craft of photography from the ground up. By the early 1880s, he had started to make a name for himself, embarking on expeditions to photograph landscapes and architectural wonders. One of Rau's significant early assignments was photographing along the route of the Pennsylvania Railroad, capturing the grandeur of the American landscape. These images were not only aesthetically captivating but also served as a tool for promoting tourism and travel via the railroad.

In 1895, Rau was appointed the official photographer for the Pennsylvania Railroad, a role that allowed him to travel extensively and hone his skill in capturing the essence of the American landscape. His work from this period is characterized by its meticulous composition, attention to detail, and the ability to convey the majesty and vastness of the scenes he photographed. Rau's railroad photographs played a crucial role in the development of American landscape photography, influencing future generations of photographers.

Beyond his work with the Pennsylvania Railroad, Rau also gained international recognition. In 1893, he was selected as the official photographer for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, an assignment that brought his work to a global audience. Rau's photographs from the exposition are notable for their clarity and detail, offering viewers a glimpse into the grandeur of the fair and the technological marvels of the time.

Throughout his career, William H. Rau remained a pioneering figure in the field of photography, constantly experimenting with new techniques and pushing the boundaries of the medium. His contributions to commercial and landscape photography have left an indelible mark on the visual history of the United States. Rau's legacy is preserved through his extensive body of work, which continues to be studied and admired by historians, photographers, and art enthusiasts alike.

William H. Rau passed away on November 19, 1920, in Philadelphia. His death marked the end of an era in American photography, but his influence lives on through his iconic images, which capture the spirit and beauty of America’s landscapes and industrial achievements.