Delaware Water-Gap c. 19th century

Curator: This is Henry Duff Linton’s "Delaware Water-Gap, A River Scene," part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It depicts a bustling river landscape. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is how actively the scene is set, despite the monochromatic medium. It conveys this sense of frontier development, or exploitation, depending on your viewpoint. Curator: Exactly. It portrays the romantic idea of westward expansion and the exploitation of natural resources. Notice the figures on horseback in contrast with the figures on the boat carrying livestock. Editor: Absolutely, the materiality is so important. We see how the artist uses engraving to depict labor and the movement of goods. The very act of depicting this scene lends itself to the political narrative of its production. Curator: It's a complex representation, reflecting both the promise and the potential social and environmental costs of that expansion. Editor: Yes, thinking about the labor involved in creating both the scene and the engraving gives me a greater appreciation. Curator: Indeed, thank you. The layers of meaning and making are much to appreciate.