Rocky Cliff with Two Trees c. 1804

Editor: Here we have Washington Allston's "Rocky Cliff with Two Trees." It's a pencil drawing, and I'm struck by how precarious the trees seem, clinging to the rocks. What can you tell us about this drawing in relation to Allston's time? Curator: Allston, working in the early 19th century, was deeply influenced by the picturesque movement, which emphasized dramatic landscapes. The sketch is not just an objective study, but a statement about man's place in nature. Editor: So, the drawing is more than just a record of a landscape. Curator: Exactly! It reflects a growing fascination with the sublime power of nature, and consider also the socio-political context. Landscapes became a way to express national identity. How might this relate? Editor: I see, a connection between the land and the emerging American identity. Curator: Precisely. These idealized landscapes helped forge a sense of shared experience, and validated expansionist policies. Editor: That's a lot to unpack from a simple sketch. Thanks for illuminating it! Curator: My pleasure. The politics of imagery is always present.