Saint Michael's Mount, the Causeway 1897

Editor: This is Joseph Pennell's "Saint Michael's Mount, the Causeway." It's a drawing, undated, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. There's something haunting and romantic about it, especially the way the castle seems to emerge from the mist. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see Pennell engaging with the picturesque tradition while subtly commenting on the democratization of travel. How does the image invite the viewer to consider their own potential access to such a historically exclusive site? The causeway literally bridges the gap. Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the social implications of accessibility. So, the drawing isn't just about the beauty of the mount, but also who gets to experience it? Curator: Precisely. Pennell, through his deliberately accessible style, subtly questions the historical power dynamics embedded within such iconic landmarks. Editor: That really changes how I see the artwork. I'll definitely be thinking about that bridge differently now!