Stadsgezicht gezien vanaf een rivier met drie boten 1886

This is Theodor Hagen's "Cityscape Seen from a River with Three Boats," a print made in 1906. Hagen, who straddled Impressionism and early Modernism, gives us a glimpse into the industrialized landscape of early 20th-century Germany. The scene is rendered in muted tones, with a focus on the geometry of the buildings and boats. The dark, almost brooding atmosphere, speaks to the period's anxieties and aspirations. Hagen’s work invites us to consider Germany's rapid industrialization. This had a profound impact on people’s identities, their relationship to the land, and the evolving social fabric. As you gaze at this cityscape, consider the many untold stories and lived experiences it represents. Think about how the landscape shapes our individual and collective identities. What does it mean to see a cityscape not as a backdrop, but as an active participant in shaping the narrative of human experience?