Plymouth Rock, 1620 1869

Curator: This is Joseph Andrews’s "Plymouth Rock, 1620," a steel engraving that captures a pivotal moment in American history. Editor: The dramatic lighting and the expressions of hardship immediately strike me. It's a very romanticized, almost theatrical take, isn't it? Curator: Indeed. It reflects the 19th-century fascination with the Pilgrims as founders. Andrews’s work helps shape our understanding of the narratives of colonialism. Editor: And what about the indigenous perspective? This image erases their presence and agency. The image romanticizes colonization, obscuring the violence it unleashed. Curator: Absolutely. It serves as a reminder of the power of images in shaping historical narratives and national identities. Editor: A powerful, though troubling, piece when viewed through a contemporary lens. Curator: It highlights the importance of critically examining historical representation.