Kasteel Neuschwanstein 1901

This photograph of Kasteel Neuschwanstein, was shot at an unknown date, by an anonymous artist. It's fascinating how a black and white image can evoke so much texture. Look at the jagged rocks at the base, then follow the upward climb to the castle itself. The anonymous photographer has really played with contrast here. The way the light catches on the edges of the stone makes me think about the idea of permanence, or how buildings can last for centuries, but also how fragile that appearance can be. Think about the dark, almost velvety shadows under the eaves of the castle, and consider the skill that goes into making a flat surface feel so dimensional. It's interesting that, as an artist, you never know who will look at your work, or how they will interpret it. This piece reminds me of Caspar David Friedrich's landscapes. But where his work has a romantic sublime, this image feels more like a stage set. It's a testament to the ongoing conversation of art across time.