Chiem See, Germany 1877

Andrew Fisher Bunner made this pencil on paper drawing of the Chiem See in Germany. The work has a quiet, unassuming quality to it. But how does an artist’s vision of a specific place become art, especially when it’s displayed far from its origin? Bunner was an American artist, trained in a conventional academic style. But like many artists of his time, he was drawn to Europe, specifically for its picturesque landscapes and quaint village scenes. The late 19th century saw an increase in tourism and travel, as well as an interest in landscape art. This drawing, with its delicate lines and focus on a tranquil scene, captures a particular moment in the relationship between America and Europe, one of cultural exchange. To fully appreciate a work like this, we delve into travelogues, artists’ biographies, and exhibition histories. These resources help us understand the networks of exchange and influence that shaped Bunner’s vision and, ultimately, the social and cultural meaning of the artwork itself.