Mount Saint Gothard c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Salomon Gessner's "Mount Saint Gothard," an etching from the late 18th century. It's a pretty stark image, all black and white, and it really emphasizes the imposing nature of the landscape. What do you make of this? Curator: It reflects a growing interest in the sublime during that period. Consider the rise of Romanticism and its fascination with untamed nature. This image, circulated as a print, played a role in shaping perceptions of the Alps, turning a geographic location into a cultural symbol of awe and even danger. Editor: So, it’s not just a landscape, it’s making a statement? Curator: Precisely. The way Gessner frames the mountain path against the overwhelming rock formations speaks to humanity’s smallness in the face of nature's grandeur. It also speaks to the burgeoning tourism and scientific exploration of the Alps. Editor: That's a completely different way to view it! I'll be looking at landscapes with an historian's eye from now on!