Ben Nevis, Scotland c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have "Ben Nevis, Scotland" by George Baxter. Baxter was born in 1804 and died in 1867. Editor: It looks like a fancy picnic! Is that Ben Nevis in the background, or is it a stage set? All those people seem rather overdressed to me. Curator: Baxter was a pioneer in color printing. He patented a process to apply oil colors over an engraved print, resulting in works like this with incredible detail. Editor: I see what you mean about the detail. The costumes are amazing. You can almost feel the fabrics. But I am wondering where this is going? A garden party? A play? Curator: Such scenes were immensely popular, presenting idyllic visions of Scotland that reinforced romantic notions of its landscape and culture in the Victorian era. Editor: The scene may seem a bit silly, but I can see the appeal. It's a beautiful escape. It's like a dream or a fairy tale that looks like it might come true.