Village of Simplon 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have Charles Herbert's "Village of Simplon." It's a drawing, seemingly a study. It feels so…untouched by modernity. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the context. Simplon Pass was significant for trade and military passage. Herbert presents a scene seemingly untouched, yet its value lay in strategic geopolitical interests. How does the drawing reinforce or challenge that reality? Editor: So, it's not just a picturesque scene, but a reflection of political landscape, even if subtly? Curator: Precisely. The image speaks to the power structures inherent in landscape depiction. Think about whose gaze it caters to and what that implies about the role of art. Editor: That adds a whole new layer of understanding. I’ll never look at a landscape the same way again! Curator: Good. Art is never neutral; it's a reflection of the times.