Berk c. 1820 - 1833

J. Bernard’s ‘Berk’ offers a glimpse into 18th century landscape art. The artist's choice to depict a tree, seemingly simple, allows us to consider the complex relationship between nature and culture during this period. We often see in landscape art of this time, the natural world acting as a space onto which cultural and societal values are projected. What does this tree, juxtaposed with the distant structure, tell us about power, control, and the desire to order the world? In many ways the act of drawing, archiving, and naming plant species was tied to colonialism and resource extraction. How does this image participate in that history? Consider the emotional weight carried by nature. Is this tree a symbol of resilience, or does it speak to a sense of loss and exploitation? By reflecting on these questions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and enduring impact of works like ‘Berk.’