Kapel op de Apollinarisberg te Remagen c. 1860 - 1870

This stereograph shows the chapel on the Apollinarisberg in Remagen, captured by Anselm Schmitz in the late 19th century. During this period, Germany was undergoing significant political and religious changes, particularly with the rise of nationalism and the Kulturkampf, a conflict between the government and the Catholic Church. Against this backdrop, Schmitz’s image of the chapel provides a glimpse into the era's negotiation between religious tradition and modernity. While we don't have direct quotes from Schmitz about this piece, his work often focused on local landscapes and religious sites, reflecting a broader trend of romanticizing regional identity. The photograph, with its detailed depiction of the chapel, invites contemplation on how religious architecture can represent a community's values, and the evolving relationship between faith and national identity. It's a reflection of personal devotion amidst shifting cultural tides.