Untitled (view of waterfall in the White Mountains) 1854

Editor: Here we have John Adams Whipple's photograph, "Untitled (view of waterfall in the White Mountains)." It has such a tactile quality. What stands out to you? Curator: I'm struck by how the image highlights the industrialization of leisure. Photographers like Whipple provided visual commodities, souvenirs of nature, if you will. How does this image reflect access and consumption of landscape? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't considered it as a commodity. Curator: Think about the logistics involved in capturing this scene: the equipment, the transportation, the target audience. It really reframes our understanding of nature. Editor: I see your point. It's less about pure wilderness and more about a constructed experience. Curator: Exactly. It’s a blend of art, science, and commerce, all wrapped up in a single photograph. Editor: I'll definitely be thinking about that interplay of art, science, and commerce going forward. Thanks!