Gezicht op rotsformatie The Giant's Organ before 1867

This albumen print of a rock formation, known as the Giant's Organ, was made by John Hudson at an unknown date. It’s an image that speaks to the Victorian era's fascination with natural wonders and the emerging field of geology. Hudson's choice of subject and medium reflects a desire to capture and categorize the natural world, a pursuit deeply embedded in the scientific and cultural norms of the time. The very act of photographing and naming this rock formation reveals a human impulse to assert dominion over nature through observation and documentation. Geological surveys were often tied to imperial expansion, as they helped map and extract resources. The lack of information about Hudson himself leaves us with only the image and its context. Was he part of a larger scientific expedition, or an amateur enthusiast? Understanding this image fully would require delving into the photographic archives of the time, and geological surveys. Only then can we truly appreciate the complex interplay of science, culture, and visual representation in Hudson's work.