Quandary Peak, Blue River Range in Distance, North from the Summit of Mt. Lincoln c. 1870

Curator: William Henry Jackson created this stunning vista, "Quandary Peak, Blue River Range in Distance, North from the Summit of Mt. Lincoln." Editor: It feels almost monochromatic, emphasizing texture and form rather than color. The mountains seem both imposing and fragile. Curator: It is crucial to remember that Jackson captured these images during a period of intense westward expansion. Consider the role these landscapes played in constructing ideas about American identity and manifest destiny. Editor: Absolutely. The materiality of these photographs themselves, and the labor involved in their creation, helped to shape perceptions. Imagine the equipment, the chemicals, the sheer effort to capture such a scene! Curator: And the narrative that this reinforces—the notion of an untouched wilderness, ready for the taking. That perspective profoundly impacted indigenous populations and land use. Editor: Indeed. Seeing it with a contemporary eye makes me think about the environmental consequences of that era and the ongoing exploitation of natural resources. Curator: Reflecting on Jackson’s legacy allows us to confront difficult truths about our past and work toward a more equitable future. Editor: I agree. Looking at how the image itself was produced forces us to consider the costs of progress and the enduring impact of human actions on the landscape.