The Aiguille du Géant c. 1883

Curator: This is Vittorio Sella's "The Aiguille du Géant," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Stark. The monochromatic tones and stark composition create a powerful, almost ominous feeling. Curator: Sella was an avid mountaineer. This photograph offers a glimpse into the late 19th-century fascination with conquering nature, reflecting imperialist ideologies of dominance over the landscape. Editor: But consider the formal qualities: the striking contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the mountain's texture, almost creating an abstract study of form. Curator: Absolutely, and we can't ignore the implications of climate change, seeing this glacial landscape now versus Sella's time. It prompts reflection on our relationship with the natural world. Editor: Indeed, it's a testament to the enduring power of photography to capture both the sublime and the transient nature of existence.