View of Sintra with what is now the National Palace in the background 1840

This is Clementine de Brelaz's "View of Sintra with what is now the National Palace in the background." Made in the 19th century, it provides a glimpse into the cultural context of the artist, who lived in a time of evolving social norms and expectations for women. Brelaz, who was born in Switzerland, travelled extensively, and she often depicted landscapes. It makes me wonder about the power dynamics inherent in travel and landscape art, especially when considering gender and class. Who had the privilege to travel and represent these views? What narratives were being constructed through these images? The fact that Brelaz, as a woman, engaged in this practice challenges traditional assumptions. Her perspective, as a woman artist, might offer alternative narratives about the places and cultures she encountered. What did it mean for her to be both an observer and a participant in these landscapes? What alternative stories does she tell?