Die Wernerkapelle in Bacharach 

Friedrich Eisenlohr drew ‘Die Wernerkapelle in Bacharach’ using graphite. Eisenlohr’s architectural drawings give us insight into the cultural milieu of 19th-century Germany, where the rediscovery and idealization of the medieval past was linked to ideas of national identity. The Werner Chapel, a ruin in the town of Bacharach, was to become a potent symbol and the story of Werner of Oberwesel, falsely accused of ritual murder, became a rallying point for antisemitism. As we consider this image, we must contend with the uncomfortable reality of how cultural symbols can be weaponized. Eisenlohr’s delicate rendering invites contemplation on how architectural ruins gain meaning and embody identity and memory. While we see the aesthetic appreciation of ruins, it is important to recognize how these images may reinforce narratives that impact marginalized communities.