Standard Petroleum Refinery, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania c. 1865

Editor: This gelatin-silver print, "Standard Petroleum Refinery, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania," was taken around 1865 by Thomas H. Johnson. It's pretty stark, and really emphasizes the industrial scale through those massive chimneys and railroad tracks leading into the plant. How do we unpack a photograph like this in its historical context? Curator: This image captures a pivotal moment in American history. Consider Pittsburg in 1865. It's a city forging itself, literally, in steel and industry, fueled by petroleum. This isn't just a landscape; it’s a statement about progress, power, and the reshaping of the environment. Think about who is likely commissioning and consuming images like these: What purpose do they serve? Editor: So, it's not just about documenting, but also about promoting an idea? Maybe the idea of American industrial dominance? Curator: Exactly. These images would circulate widely, showcasing American ingenuity and resourcefulness, attracting investment, and shaping public opinion. Notice the deliberate composition—the receding tracks, the towering chimneys… It's designed to impress. But also think about what's missing. Editor: Like, where are the workers? Or any sign of pollution's effects? Curator: Precisely. What does the absence of people or the masking of environmental degradation tell us about the priorities of the time, and more importantly, who controls the narrative and dictates these priorities? Editor: Wow, I hadn't thought about the silences within the image itself! It's definitely more than just a picture of a factory. Curator: The power of visual culture resides not just in what is shown, but in what is strategically omitted. Always consider the political context shaping image creation, presentation and interpretation. Editor: Thanks. That’s a great way to look at art.