The First Snow (no.2) c. 1926

Editor: Here we have George Elbert Burr's etching, "The First Snow (no.2)", created around 1926. There’s a stillness to this little landscape; the crisp lines create this amazing textural contrast between the trees, snow, and sky. What can you tell us about the context of this print? Curator: Well, landscape prints like this were very popular in the early 20th century. The rise of printmaking societies and increased accessibility of art through reproductions really changed how people engaged with nature aesthetically. Burr was quite successful catering to that market. It's a scene of tranquility, but consider, for whom was this tranquility intended? Editor: You mean, who could afford art back then? Curator: Exactly! Burr was marketing a specific vision of nature, a tamed, palatable landscape. He sold these to middle-class Americans eager to decorate their homes with idealized scenes, in a way sort of picturesque view on modern taste, but very different compared to the harsh realities faced by many during that period, particularly with economic instability lurking around the corner. This makes you wonder about the cultural function art like this fulfilled. Do you find anything else striking about its production? Editor: I noticed the incredibly fine lines. It looks so detailed for an etching. Curator: It does, doesn't it? Burr was a master etcher. He made prints using multiple, thin, and lightly bitten plates, and wiped it very delicately; an unusual choice for the day, as more aggressive etching techniques would guarantee bigger editions of more "dramatic" effect prints for a fast turnaround to sell quickly. Editor: That makes a lot of sense, thinking about the broader appeal of such an image and who had access to own it. It’s changed how I look at what I originally thought was just a peaceful landscape! Curator: Absolutely! Art always exists within a complex web of social, economic, and political forces, shaping both its creation and reception. And Burr’s etching here proves just that!