The Aiguille du Midi from the Grands Mulets c. 1910

Curator: This photograph captures The Aiguille du Midi from the Grands Mulets. It’s from the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: There’s a somber quality. The stark contrast between the dark rock formations and the pale glacier evokes a sense of isolation. Curator: Mountain photography like this emerged in tandem with the rise of mountaineering as a popular, yet exclusive, activity. It reflects changing perceptions of nature. Editor: So it's about more than just the scenery. The mountain becomes a symbol of human ambition and conquest, but also fragility. Curator: Precisely. These images often served a dual purpose—scientific documentation and romanticized views for a growing audience interested in adventure. Editor: It makes me consider the gender dynamics too—who had the privilege and power to access and document these spaces? Curator: A vital question. The narrative often excludes the experiences of those who were historically marginalized. Editor: It’s a complex picture, literally and figuratively. Thank you for providing that crucial framing. Curator: My pleasure; it's these tensions that give the image its enduring power.