Dumbarton Rock c. 19th century

Editor: This is Thomas Goff Lupton's "Dumbarton Rock," an undated print from the Harvard Art Museums. The scene feels very romantic, with that imposing rock formation in the distance. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a landscape deeply intertwined with ideas of nationhood and identity. The 'romantic' feel you mention is constructed, reflecting the picturesque movement's influence on how Scotland was perceived. But who is this constructed identity for, and who does it exclude? Editor: That's a really interesting point. So, it's not just a pretty picture, but a statement? Curator: Precisely. Consider the historical context. What political narratives might Lupton be subtly reinforcing or challenging? How does the sublime depiction of the land connect to notions of ownership and power? Editor: I hadn't considered it that way. Thanks for making me think about it differently! Curator: Of course! Seeing art as a reflection of power helps us question what is normalized in our own time.