Polar Sky c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have George Baxter's "Polar Sky." The texture created by the printing process is lovely and it gives a mystical quality to the scene. What stands out to you about the production of this work? Curator: Considering Baxter's patented color printing process, it's fascinating how he commodified the sublime. By using mass production techniques, he made images of the Arctic accessible, turning a once-distant, awe-inspiring landscape into a consumable item. How did this affect the public's perception of such remote locations? Editor: That's a great point! It makes me think about the shift from seeing nature as something untouched to something that can be reproduced and owned. I will look at his process more closely. Curator: Indeed, understanding the means of production transforms our view of the subject.