Gottorf 1790

Heinrich Grosch made this print of Gottorf using engraving techniques, and while the exact date is unknown, we can place it in the late 18th or early 19th century based on his working life. Gottorf Castle appears in the distance, framed by trees. In the foreground, women work in the fields. Grosch, who lived through a period of significant social change, offers us a glimpse into the prevailing social order. Here, we see an idealized vision of rural life, but notice the stark division of labor; the castle, a symbol of power and wealth, looms over the workers toiling in the fields. The very style of the print reflects this order, with its precise lines and controlled composition. By studying sources from the period, like estate records and travelogues, we can unpack the relationship between the landed gentry and the laboring classes, between the castle and the field. Artworks like this become invaluable resources for understanding the social dynamics of their time.