Waved surface of the Aar glacier before 1866

Ernest Edwards made this photograph of the "Waved Surface of the Aar Glacier" sometime in the late 19th century. It was included as an illustration for his book on physical geography. The image reflects the Victorian era's fascination with the natural world, fuelled by scientific exploration and technological advancement, like photography. We can appreciate the cultural context in which it was made by thinking about the historical association of landscape with ideas of the sublime, and the colonial exploitation of land for resources. Edwards' photo flattens the majestic glacier into a reproducible image. Historians can use sources like expedition reports, scientific publications, and travel writings to understand the cultural values that were projected onto landscapes like this one. Considering the social and institutional contexts of art helps us reflect on the meaning of art as a product of its time.