Allegorie des Abends (Vesper) 

Johann Vincenz Cissarz created this drawing, "Allegory of the Evening," or "Vesper" in German, with ink on paper. Made in Germany, its emphasis on classical beauty and allegorical themes reflects the broader European art world’s turn-of-the-century engagement with the past. The woman is sitting in contrapposto on a stone ledge, which alludes to ancient sculpture and a nostalgic yearning for the perceived simplicity of antiquity. As Germany underwent rapid industrialization and urbanization, many artists questioned the nature of progress and the role of art in a changing society. Some, inspired by Nietzsche and others, rejected traditional values and embraced a new, more modern aesthetic. Others sought refuge in an idealized past. To understand the significance of such work, art historians consult exhibition reviews, artists' correspondence, and period publications to understand the cultural context in which it was created and received. Art, after all, never exists in a vacuum.