Waterfall in a Forest c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Alfred Alexandre Delauney’s "Waterfall in a Forest," created sometime in the 19th century. The density of the trees makes the work feel very enclosed. What's your take on it? Curator: This piece speaks volumes about the romanticized view of nature dominant during that era. The forest, often depicted as sublime and untouched, masks the reality of resource extraction and colonial exploitation of land. Do you see how the light, almost like a stage spotlight, emphasizes the "naturalness" while obscuring the labor involved in shaping such landscapes? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. I was focused on the aesthetic. Curator: Exactly. By deconstructing these images, we can challenge the romantic myths surrounding nature and understand how they intersect with power dynamics and environmental justice issues. Editor: I'll definitely look at landscapes differently from now on. Curator: The point is to look at the past, and landscapes, critically. Delauney's work acts as a mirror reflecting not just the beauty, but the complex socio-political currents of his time.