Virginia Water, I c. 19th century

Editor: This is Robert Wallis's etching, "Virginia Water, I." It feels almost like a postcard of a tranquil scene, but something about the dark rendering of the trees makes me wonder, what stories might it be hinting at? Curator: It’s interesting you see it as a postcard. Consider the public role of landscapes in constructing national identity during this period. How does a seemingly tranquil scene contribute to a particular vision of England, and for whom? Editor: So, it's not just about pretty scenery; it's about who gets to define what is beautiful or valuable in the landscape? Curator: Exactly. Think about the social and political context in which this image was created and consumed. The selection and depiction of such scenes become powerful tools of cultural influence. What does it omit? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered. It changes the way I look at these idyllic landscapes now.