Gezicht op de Trossachs before 1863

This photogravure of 'Gezicht op de Trossachs' or 'View of the Trossachs' by Thomas Ogle presents an interesting look at the public role of art at this time. Made in a book, we can observe how the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. This was Great Britain, though the book is in Dutch, likely the 19th century, as seen in the sepia-toned print. The rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands evoke a sense of sublime nature. What is interesting to me is to look at the institutional history of photogravure books during this time. What was their place in the popular culture, and how did they reach such an international audience? It's clear that the image is self-consciously progressive in its romanticization of nature. To understand it better, we would need research resources such as print and publishing histories, in order to understand the social and institutional context.