Old Schloss, Germany 1876

Andrew Fisher Bunner created the ink drawing, Old Schloss, Germany, sometime in the late 19th century. The late 1800s saw significant shifts in social structures, shaped by industrialization, urbanization, and evolving class dynamics. Bunner, an American artist, seemed drawn to the romanticism of European architecture. This piece captures a German castle or manor with delicate, precise lines, emphasizing its imposing structure. Castles often symbolize power, history, and the aristocratic class. Looking at this image, we might ask ourselves what it means for an American artist to depict European aristocracy. This work speaks to the American fascination with European history and culture during this time. It invites reflection on themes of cultural identity, power structures, and the romanticized views of a bygone era. How does this image make you feel about the legacy and symbolism of such structures?