The Vision of Columbus c. 19th century

Curator: Edward Goodall’s small etching, "The Vision of Columbus," presents a silhouetted ship against a misty horizon, held by the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It evokes a sense of melancholy, doesn't it? The scale and muted tones feel quite intimate, considering the grand narrative it alludes to. Curator: The romantic sensibility towards historical figures, particularly Columbus, was pervasive. The etching likely served as an illustration in a larger publication, contributing to the heroic narrative. Editor: But let's consider the politics of imagery. This vision excludes Indigenous perspectives, effectively erasing the brutal realities of colonization. It’s a selective, idealized history. Curator: Absolutely, it reveals how institutional narratives shaped our understanding of the past, promoting certain viewpoints while silencing others. Editor: It makes one question the very nature of "vision" – whose vision, whose history? It serves as a reminder that historical narratives must be constantly interrogated. Curator: Indeed, it's a striking piece that unveils layers of meaning when placed within a broader historical and social context.