Panorama of Mexico, the Palace from the Cathedral c. 1870s

Curator: Looking at this photograph, "Panorama of Mexico, the Palace from the Cathedral" by William Henry Jackson, I feel as though I could just float away into that pale sky. There’s a hazy dreaminess to the composition. Editor: Yes, the albumen print process gives it that ethereal quality, doesn't it? The choice of such a wide format really emphasizes the urban sprawl and the sheer scale of the palace itself. Think about the silver and the egg whites used to create this visual record of power. Curator: Power, yes, but also a certain distance. We’re looking down, observing. It’s a perspective of control. Does this reflect Jackson’s intention, or his client's, I wonder? Editor: Consider Jackson’s company based in Denver and their target audiences. These images helped shape perceptions of Mexico and its resources, all filtered through a very specific lens of progress and potential exploitation. Curator: It’s true. A beautiful, haunting record…tinged with the complexities of history. Editor: Indeed. A powerful reminder of the material conditions that shape even our most aesthetic experiences.