Kidnapping of Ernst and Albert, sons of Frederick of Saxony, from the Castle at Altenburg c. 19th century

Curator: Theobald Reinhold Freiherr von Oër's "Kidnapping of Ernst and Albert, sons of Frederick of Saxony, from the Castle at Altenburg"—what strikes you first about it? Editor: Chaos, definitely. It feels crammed, like a nightmare unfolding in a dollhouse. Curator: Yes, the composition is quite dramatic. Note how Oër uses the strong diagonal lines of the doorway and the bed to create a sense of urgency. The monochrome palette adds to the severity of the scene. Editor: It makes me think about vulnerability, a child’s bedroom invaded like this. And that poor scholar at his desk, totally blindsided! Curator: The artist really captures the surprise and the violation. One can almost feel the chill and fear. Editor: Absolutely, it’s like stepping into a dark bedtime story. Oër really understood how to make history resonate on a visceral level. Curator: Indeed, a powerful snapshot of a tumultuous past.