Olive groves 1914

Editor: This is Donald Shaw MacLaughlan's "Olive Groves". It's a striking etching, and the use of line creates such a sense of depth. How does its historical context inform the way we see it today? Curator: Consider the late 19th, early 20th century. Etchings like this gained popularity due to their reproducibility, making art accessible. How does this relate to the democratization of landscapes in art? Editor: So, was it about bringing the countryside to the city dweller? Curator: Precisely! It’s about constructing and marketing an image of the rural. Notice how it evokes a picturesque, almost romantic, view. Who was this art made for, and what was its purpose? Editor: I see what you mean. Thanks! It's interesting to think about who got to consume these idyllic scenes. Curator: Indeed, and the social implications of that consumption. It gives you a different perspective, doesn't it?