Under the Pines c. 20th century

Will A. Cadby created this photograph, ‘Under the Pines’, using a photogravure print. Cadby lived in a time when the natural world was being rapidly transformed by industrialization, prompting people to seek solace and escape in nature. Cadby's choice of subject, a serene pine forest, evokes a sense of tranquility, offering respite from the anxieties of urban life. Yet, this representation of nature is not neutral; it reflects a specific cultural viewpoint. The untouched, idealized landscape presented in the image obscures the history of human intervention, exploitation, and displacement that shaped the land. As you gaze into the photograph, consider the emotional and ideological dimensions of our relationship with nature. Does it prompt you to reflect on the romanticized image of nature? What histories are hidden beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent scene?