The Castle of Courtly Love c. 19th century

Curator: Before us is Friedrich Würthle's print, "The Castle of Courtly Love," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels melancholic. The decaying architecture dominates, while the lone figure below seems almost swallowed by the scene. Curator: Notice how Würthle uses contrasting light and shadow to create depth and texture. The formal geometry of the castle contrasts with the organic growth of the encroaching foliage. Editor: And doesn't the crumbling castle act as a potent symbol? A reminder of love's fragility, of time's inevitable decay of even the grandest ideals. Curator: Perhaps. Or maybe, simply, a study in architectural form and the beauty found even in ruins. The composition is masterful. Editor: A powerful reminder that even the most idealized concepts eventually return to earth. It’s a captivating and somber reflection.