Gezicht op het Monte Rosa-massief en de Mont Blanc before 1899

This is a photograph by Hans Speiser of the Monte Rosa Massif and Mont Blanc, found within the pages of a book. The sublime grandeur of mountain landscapes was a prevalent theme in 19th-century art, reflecting the Romantic movement's fascination with nature's power and beauty. The absence of human presence in Speiser's depiction encourages viewers to contemplate their relationship with the natural world and consider the insignificance of human endeavors against the backdrop of geological time. This approach can also be interpreted through the lens of colonialism and exploration, as the "untouched" landscape was often used to justify the exploitation of resources and the erasure of indigenous populations. Consider the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the mountain, which often held different meanings for the people who lived in their shadows. This image prompts reflection on the power dynamics inherent in the representation of nature and invites us to consider the diverse narratives that exist beyond the dominant visual frame.