Northern Trees before 1926

Editor: Here we have George Hawley Hallowell's "Northern Trees," undated, at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a striking vertical composition, the stark black and white creating a somewhat haunting scene. What are your initial thoughts? Curator: It’s interesting to consider how landscapes, especially those devoid of human presence, often reflect societal anxieties or aspirations. How might this image of stark, unyielding nature have resonated with viewers, particularly during a period of rapid industrialization or social upheaval? Editor: Perhaps as a reminder of something permanent? Curator: Precisely. The trees, stoic and enduring, could represent a yearning for stability, or even a romanticized escape from modern life. These idealized, depopulated landscapes play an interesting role in the public's imagination. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. There is always something new to discover!