Taughannock Falls! 1860 - 1899

Editor: This is "Taughannock Falls!" a photograph, likely a print from the 19th century, dating sometime between 1860 and 1899, by G. F. Gates. The image has been reproduced twice on one print to give a 3D, stereo view. There’s a stark beauty to it, this forceful waterfall juxtaposed with the static rock face. What’s your take? Curator: This image exemplifies the 19th-century fascination with landscape as a spectacle and commodity. The stereoscopic format, intended for middle-class consumption, democratized access to scenic wonders previously available only to the wealthy. Note the inclusion of small figures at the base of the falls. How do these figures contribute to the image's meaning? Editor: I guess they show scale, how imposing the falls are… and how many people came to visit them! Curator: Exactly. The presence of these figures highlights a growing culture of tourism and leisure. The very act of photographing and circulating images of the Falls served to construct and promote its value, not just aesthetically, but commercially as well. We should also consider the environmental impact: who benefited and who may have suffered, economically or culturally, from the growth of tourism in the area. Editor: That's an angle I hadn't really considered before. So, it’s more than just a pretty picture; it represents something bigger? Curator: Precisely. The history of photography is also a history of capitalism, colonialism, and social change. This seemingly simple landscape reveals how nature itself can be shaped and reshaped by societal forces and marketed. Editor: This really does open my eyes. It is cool to examine landscapes critically instead of appreciating only for what they show aesthetically! Curator: That's great. Remember, understanding art means understanding the society and the market that surrounds its existence.