Uitzicht over de gletsjer Mer-de-Glace 1870 - 1900

This image shows a landscape of the Mer de Glace glacier, captured by Charnaux frères & Co. This photograph transports us to a time when the concept of landscape was deeply intertwined with notions of exploration, conquest, and the sublime. The glacier, a powerful force of nature, becomes a stage upon which human narratives unfold. How does our understanding of nature shift when viewed through the lens of climate change? What responsibility do we have to preserve these landscapes for future generations? The lone figures at the bottom hint at mankind’s small place in the grand scheme of nature. There is a longing and perhaps a sense of solitude in the face of such vastness. This image asks us to consider not only the aesthetics of the landscape, but also the social and political contexts that shape our perception of nature. It calls on us to reflect on our relationship with the environment and the impact of our actions on the world around us.