Hardraw Fall c. 19th century

Editor: This is John Pye the Younger’s "Hardraw Fall." It's quite dramatic, and the scale is emphasized by the tiny figures near the base of the waterfall. What social or political contexts might have influenced its creation and reception? Curator: The sublime became popular, partly due to urbanization. People yearned for untouched nature. Representations of nature as both beautiful and terrifying reflected societal anxieties about industrialization. Does this imagery reinforce ideas about Britain's landscape? Editor: I think so. It presents a powerful, almost romantic vision of the British countryside. I didn't consider the social impact of industrialization on art until now. Curator: Exactly. Consider how images like this promoted ideas of national identity and perhaps even excused environmental exploitation by prioritizing aesthetics. It's something to think about.