Wandelaars met zicht op de Reichenbachwaterval 1859

Eugène Cicéri created "Wandelaars met zicht op de Reichenbachwaterval" using lithography. During the 19th century, the concept of the sublime in nature gained prominence, reflecting a shift towards valuing intense emotional and aesthetic experiences. This print invites us to consider how landscape art is deeply entwined with cultural values and human experiences. The figures in the foreground appear to be admiring the falls; their presence emphasizes a human connection to the overwhelming power and beauty of nature. Yet, who has access to these spaces? How do class and social standing affect one's ability to experience and appreciate such landscapes? How does the act of observing and documenting nature shape our relationship with it, and perhaps create a sense of ownership or control? This work underscores the complex ways in which nature is not merely a backdrop, but a space loaded with cultural meanings, social dynamics, and personal reflections.