Under the Bow of the Caravel Santa Maria 1887 - 1893

Editor: Here we have Henry Hamilton Bennett’s “Under the Bow of the Caravel Santa Maria,” a photograph taken sometime between 1887 and 1893. It's fascinating how he's captured such a massive ship so close up. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: What stands out for me is the context. This photograph, likely a stereograph intended for mass consumption, speaks volumes about the late 19th century’s fascination with historical narratives, especially the romanticized era of exploration. Editor: So, it’s less about the ship itself and more about what the ship represents at the time? Curator: Precisely. Bennett isn’t just documenting a vessel; he’s tapping into a broader cultural narrative. This ship, a replica, becomes a symbol, and its image, distributed widely, participates in constructing and reinforcing certain historical ideas. Consider also that these images were often sold as novelties – souvenirs even – so they contributed to the commodification of history and culture. Editor: That's interesting, it makes me think about who was consuming this imagery and what messages they were taking away from it. Do you think there’s also a political dimension to the choice of the *Santa Maria*? Curator: Absolutely. Think about the legacy of colonialism, the myths surrounding Columbus, and how they were being mobilized at the time. Images like this, disseminated across the country, helped shape a particular understanding—and often, a justification—of American expansion and its place in the world. How does understanding that potentially shift your perspective? Editor: I hadn’t really thought of it that way. I guess I saw it as just a nice photo of a ship. Now I'm thinking more critically about the power of images and the stories they can tell – or obscure. Curator: Exactly! It highlights how images, particularly those circulated widely, can actively participate in shaping cultural understanding and historical narratives.