Gezicht op het Nieuwe Kasteel in Stuttgart, Duitsland before 1875

Georg Maria Eckert made this albumen print of the New Castle in Stuttgart, Germany, at an unknown date. It pictures the royal residence, reflected in the water, with trees surrounding it. Though we don't know when it was made, this image seems to depict the castle after its reconstruction, which concluded in 1807. It could have been made later, but it certainly represents the political power of the Royalty living in the castle. At this time Stuttgart was going through massive industrialization, and became an important industrial center. The photograph is carefully composed, it seems to show how the castle's regal structure is supported and strengthened by the presence of Nature, so beautifully reflected on the surface of the pond. Images like this are useful sources for social historians. They help us reconstruct the hierarchies that shaped European society during the industrial revolution. We can research archives, newspapers, and other photographs to get a better understanding of the Royal Family and the structures of power at the time.