Two Studies of Prehistoric Reindeer 19th-20th century

Editor: This is Denman Waldo Ross's "Two Studies of Prehistoric Reindeer." It’s a simple line drawing, reminding me of cave paintings. What can you tell me about the cultural context of such imagery? Curator: Well, the act of studying and copying "prehistoric" art carried significant weight at the time. Consider the early 20th century obsession with primitivism. Did Ross aim to legitimize modern art by connecting it to a primal past? Editor: So, it's not just about the reindeer, but about how Ross positions himself in art history. Curator: Precisely! He's engaging with the politics of representation. What do you make of the stark simplicity? Editor: I see now that it’s not just a drawing, but a statement about art's origins and purpose. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to question how we assign value and meaning across time.