Snow Show! These Vintage Frosted Flakes Are Fly

Snow Crystals by Wilson A. Bentley
8"x8" ($24) | 11"x11" ($60) | 16"x16" ($240) | 20"x20" ($600)

We’ve been seeing a lot of rain this winter, the unexpected consequence of which is a strange nostalgia for the polar vortex of yore...because snow. Glorious, powdery white, sky-festooning winter wonderland snow. In lieu of the real stuff, we’re rolling out this chilly new Vintage Edition, by Wilson Alwyn Bentley.

On January 15th, 1885, Bentley became the first known person to photograph a snowflake. Dead set on documenting their remarkable beauty, he found a way to catch snow crystals under a microscope slide for the fleeting moment before they melted into oblivion. He would go on to capture more than 5000 icy crystals over the course of his life, informing scientific opinion on the subject.

In fact, it was Bentley (in collaboration with professor George Henry Perkins) who first made the case that no two snowflakes are alike. Yep, we’ve got him to thank for that arctic adage. It’s no wonder the farmer turned groundbreaking photographer became known as “Snowflake” Bentley.

Today’s release isn’t your average 20x200 edition. Our curatorial team collected nine of our favorite of Bentley’s flakes, and composed them into a single image. The end result not only shows a range of Bentley’s work, but gives the viewer all the more opportunity to appreciate the meticulousness and natural symmetry that made his photomicrographs of snow crystals so dang stunning.

Plotting a Valentine’s prezzie for your partner in crime? These frosty flakes would make a sweet seasonal treat for your [insert term of endearment here]. Which reminds us: order framed art by 11:59 pm ET tomorrow for guaranteed arrival in time for Valentine’s Day.

With art for everyone,
Jen Bekman + Team 20x200