Gezicht op de Muizentoren nabij Bingen 1879

This photograph from 1879, taken by Sophus Williams, presents us with the Mouse Tower near Bingen, Germany. But it gives us much more than that. The image’s visual codes create meaning by showing how romanticism shaped the cultural perception of the Rhineland at the time. Its aesthetic quality and subject matter romanticize the medieval architecture as well as the landscape, evoking a sense of nostalgia. It's important to consider the role of photography and its impact on tourism and cultural identity in late 19th century Germany. The image was produced and sold in large quantities and was made available to both domestic and foreign tourists. Sophus Williams operated as a commercial photographer in Berlin in the late 19th century, taking and distributing photographs like these. Historical research in photographic archives, tourist guides, and cultural histories of the Rhineland allow us to understand the ways in which this image, as well as others, have shaped our perception of German history and identity.