Palm 1789

John Robert Cozens created this watercolor titled 'Palm' in the late 18th century, a period marked by the rise of British landscape painting and burgeoning colonial expansion. Cozens, known for his romantic and atmospheric depictions, invites us into a serene coastal scene dominated by palm trees. But let's consider the palm itself, a symbol deeply entwined with colonial narratives. While Cozens may have been drawn to the aesthetic allure of the exotic landscape, the presence of palm trees subtly reminds us of Britain’s growing empire and its profound impact on the environment, and the people of colonized lands. What stories do these landscapes conceal? This image prompts us to reflect on the complex interplay between artistic representation, colonial power, and ecological transformation. It is an invitation to contemplate the narratives we tell ourselves about nature, and whose voices are often left unheard.