The Great Exhibition (Interior) 1851

Editor: This is George Baxter's "The Great Exhibition (Interior)," and it captures a real sense of wonder with all that light and those crowds. It's like a cathedral to industry. What strikes you about this image? Curator: It's a powerful depiction of Victorian England's imperial ambition. The Great Exhibition celebrated industrial progress, but also served as a stage for displaying colonial power. Do you notice how goods from India are prominently displayed? This underscores the economic exploitation inherent in the Empire. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. I was focused on the spectacle of it all. Curator: The spectacle is intentional, designed to normalize and celebrate colonial power, while masking the underlying inequalities. So, understanding the context is key. Editor: This really changes how I see the artwork. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It’s crucial we critically examine these images to understand their historical impact.