Landscape Number 34 c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Alexandre Calame’s "Landscape Number 34." It's a monochrome print of a mountain scene, and it strikes me as quite dramatic and imposing. What social or political context might have shaped this kind of imagery? Curator: Calame painted during a period of rising nationalism. These romantic landscapes often served to construct and promote ideas about national identity and the sublime power of nature. Consider how the artist positions the viewer in relation to this idealized landscape. Does it evoke a sense of belonging, or perhaps awe and insignificance? Editor: It does feel a bit awe-inspiring. I hadn't thought about it in terms of national identity before. Curator: Exactly! The public consumption of landscape imagery played a key role in shaping cultural values. Think about how these images were displayed, reproduced, and circulated. Editor: That's a great point; it changes how I see the work. Thanks!