Near Staffords Island, Gulf Coast 

Hermann Ottomar Herzog painted "Near Staffords Island, Gulf Coast" depicting a landscape from his travels. Born in Germany, Herzog traveled extensively, including to the United States. Landscapes, like this one, are often considered neutral, but they can reinforce ideas about land ownership and reflect the cultural values of a society. This painting evokes the experience of the American South through the eyes of a European artist, as it captures the region's humid atmosphere. But, what does it mean to represent a landscape, especially one in the Gulf Coast, without acknowledging the history of slavery and exploitation tied to this land? Herzog’s image invites us to consider the complex relationships between identity, representation, and place. While seemingly apolitical, landscapes can both reveal and conceal aspects of our history and culture. Consider how this tranquil scene resonates with your own understanding of the American South.