Besneeuwde bomen op Goat Island 1871 - 1888

This vintage stereograph card depicts snow-laden trees on Goat Island and was produced by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. in New York. The photograph offers a glimpse into a frozen natural landscape, but it also subtly speaks to broader themes. Consider how landscapes, especially in the 19th century, were often depicted to convey a sense of national identity and romantic ideals of nature. But whose nature was being celebrated? Whose access was being privileged? This image, while seemingly serene, exists within a complex history of land use and representation. It prompts us to think about the stories we tell ourselves about nature and the roles of exclusion and power that are often embedded within them. While the scene presents a picture of stillness, it invites us to reflect on the many unseen narratives and perspectives that shape our understanding of the world.