Schoorsteen van een bierbrouwerij te Berlijn 1866 - 1868

This graphite drawing, made by Isaac Gosschalk, depicts a chimney from a brewery in Berlin. Though undated, the drawing likely dates from the late 19th century, a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in Germany. The chimney itself, with its decorative elements and castle-like crenellations, speaks to the ambition and perhaps even the hubris of the industrial age. It transforms a functional structure into a symbol of civic pride, suggesting an attempt to integrate industry into the cultural landscape. Berlin, at this time, was undergoing a massive transformation, growing into a major European capital. The rise of industrial breweries like the one depicted was both a cause and a consequence of this growth. Understanding this drawing requires considering the social conditions that shaped it. Researching Berlin’s urban development, the history of brewing, and architectural trends of the period can provide a richer understanding of its cultural and historical significance. In the end, art serves as a visual record, reflecting the values and aspirations of a society at a particular moment in time.