Kudde bisons in de omgeving van Missouri 1863

Editor: So this is Karl Bodmer's "Kudde bisons in de omgeving van Missouri," or "Herd of Bison Near Missouri," created in 1863. It’s an engraving and reminds me of illustrations you’d see in an old adventure novel. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: As a historian, what immediately grabs my attention is the date, 1863. Think about what else was happening then: the American Civil War. This image, created during such a turbulent period, romanticizes the American West, portraying a landscape abundant with wildlife. It begs the question: for whom was this idyllic image created, and what purpose did it serve? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't thought about that at all. Curator: This print also allows us to examine the role of images in shaping public perceptions. Consider how these images were circulated. Were they intended for scientific documentation, or were they aiming to attract settlers westward, regardless of the realities of westward expansion and its impact on Indigenous populations? Editor: I see what you mean. It’s like the image is participating in a bigger story about the West. How does the style fit into that? Curator: The artistic style— a very detailed realism typical of its time, with a touch of romanticism in the vast landscape—also influences how we perceive this scene. The picturesque rendering of the bison herd contributes to a narrative that downplays the environmental impact and human cost of westward movement. Editor: That definitely gives me a new perspective. It’s more than just a picture of bison; it’s part of a much larger historical and social narrative. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. By considering its historical context, we can better understand how art both reflects and shapes societal values and political agendas. There's always more than meets the eye.