A Herd of Buffalo on the Shore of Salt Lake c. 1880

Editor: Charles Roscoe Savage's photograph, "A Herd of Buffalo on the Shore of Salt Lake," captures a poignant scene. The sepia tones evoke a sense of the past, and the buffalo appear almost spectral against the vast landscape. What cultural significance do you see embedded in this image? Curator: The buffalo, here at the edge of the Salt Lake, are potent symbols. What feelings does this placement evoke in you? They resonate as icons of both abundance and loss, representing the complex relationship between settlers and the American West. They remind us of a time when these majestic animals roamed freely, before their near extinction due to westward expansion. Editor: That's a powerful point. It's a beautiful image, but carries a weight of history. Curator: Indeed, the image becomes a vessel, holding both the visual splendor and the historical narrative of a changing landscape. It's a reminder of the stories we tell, and those we often forget.