Gezicht op Roughty Bridge, Kerry 1806 - 1808

T. Cartwright made this print, entitled 'Gezicht op Roughty Bridge, Kerry,’ sometime in the 18th or 19th century. It’s a seemingly tranquil scene, but we must ask ourselves what stories aren't being told here. Think about the history of British colonialism and its impact on Ireland. The bridge itself symbolizes connection, but also control and the imposition of foreign powers. The figures on the bridge and path, rendered with a delicate hand, might represent the local population navigating this landscape of occupation and resistance. What does it mean to represent this scenery as ‘miscellaneous?' What we see is not just a landscape but a carefully constructed narrative, one that elides the struggle and resilience of the Irish people. The beauty masks a more complex story of identity and the ongoing struggle to reclaim a sense of place.