Schloss Pouch c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Johann Philipp Wilhelm Lenz's "Schloss Pouch," a landscape engraving that really captures a sense of place. Editor: It feels so insular. The composition seems to trap the building in a thicket of trees, reflecting a sense of isolation. Curator: It’s a fascinating way to frame power. The castle, typically a symbol of authority, appears almost swallowed by nature. Notice how the delicate etching work gives such weight to the trees. Editor: The artist presents us with a romanticized view of feudal power, obscuring the social dynamics and hierarchies at play during its time. Curator: Yet, there is an enduring quality to how Lenz portrays this architecture, one that resonates with the sublime blending of human construction and the natural world. Editor: For me, I leave with a feeling of unease about the unseen implications of class and power suggested in this image.