Drie jongens bekijken Slot Stolzenfels vanuit een boot before 1933

Hans Borrebach's ink drawing, "Drie jongens bekijken Slot Stolzenfels vanuit een boot," captures a nostalgic scene of youth and leisure. Borrebach, who lived through much of the 20th century, presents us with a seemingly simple snapshot of three boys admiring Stolzenfels Castle from a boat. But let’s think for a minute about the themes of youth and observation, of who gets to look and what it means to be seen. The boys are not merely present; they are actively gazing, positioning themselves in relation to history and power embodied by the castle. What does it mean to be young, male, and likely white, in a society that often equates those identities with authority and privilege? The artwork evokes a certain mood; it captures a moment of quiet contemplation, yet simultaneously hints at broader societal structures that shape these boys' perceptions and experiences. The castle becomes more than just a historical landmark; it's a silent witness to the ever-evolving dynamics of identity, power, and representation.