Gezicht op de National Galleries of Scotland en Edinburgh Castle 1899

This photograph, "Gezicht op de National Galleries of Scotland en Edinburgh Castle," captures the National Galleries of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle. Without any information about James Patrick or the date of the photo, we are left to speculate on the circumstances of its creation and reception. Perhaps Patrick was interested in how institutions of art and government co-existed. Or maybe they did not consider how the two buildings speak to different forms of power, and different groups within society. The castle, perched high on the hill, presents an image of strength and authority, which can be contrasted to the galleries below with their promise of culture and enlightenment. The photo’s composition encourages a viewing of the space between these symbols. This image reminds us that those who control history and those who create culture are often in tension with one another.