1) In this essay by Berger, he discusses history a lot.  He talks about artwork and how it “embodies a way of seeing.”  When he discusses history he mentions that we are “situated” in history. When we look at beautiful artwork, we situate ourselves in it.  We don’t just look at it, we invision ourselves in this artwork and situate ourselves in it.  It is more than just seeing it is being and feeling as well.  It can also be political when talking about ruling classes and the history behind this.  If we are prevented from seeing this art we are deprived of the history which belongs to us. 

 2) Berger talks about how many people view Hal’s paintings of high authority figures and people’s positive remarks on them.  Critics use words like harmonious and unfogettable. However, Berger seems to view Hal’s work differently.  While people may talk about how the art seduces us, he disagrees and says that this is “nothing less than the paintings working upon us.”  We accept the fact that his painting is of his sitters.  Berger observes teh peoples gestures and facial expressions.  His impression of this artwork is based mostly on what he knows about this artwork, and that is that he has painted pictures of those Governors and the Governesses of the Alms House who gave public charity.