Ox-Bow in a River c. 19th century

Curator: W. P. Cleaves created this small, circular print, titled "Ox-Bow in a River," in 1887. It looks like an etching or engraving. Editor: It's so delicate! There's a feeling of distance, almost like looking at a memory. It reminds me of the romanticizing of landscape, a kind of idealized, untouched vista. Curator: I see that too. The oxbow itself is a powerful symbol of change and the passage of time, the river's natural course evolving. The high vantage point gives a sense of control, a symbolic claiming of the land. Editor: Absolutely, and considering the historical context, who gets to claim that land is a key question. Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship are notably absent. Curator: That's vital to consider. It becomes a loaded image when we acknowledge the power dynamics inherent in its creation and consumption. Editor: It's a reminder that even seemingly serene landscapes are imbued with complex histories. Curator: Indeed, reading the landscape reveals so much more than what's immediately visible.