Norham Castle c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Norham Castle, an unsigned watercolor from the Harvard Art Museums. It evokes a sense of faded glory, a romantic ruin reflected in the still water. What do you see when you look at this image? Curator: I see a deliberate construction of an idealized past. The castle, strategically placed, suggests power, but its ruined state hints at the passage of time and the shifting nature of political control. Editor: So, not necessarily an accurate historical depiction? Curator: Perhaps, but more importantly, it's a commentary on the British landscape tradition and its relationship to national identity. The sublime is tamed, made picturesque for consumption. The cows drinking peacefully almost undermine the original intention of the castle. Editor: That’s fascinating. I never considered how idyllic imagery can carry such political weight. Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to consider how images shape our understanding of history and national pride.