Procession of knights c. 1884

Wilhelm Steinhausen made this drawing, "Procession of Knights," using graphite on paper. This meticulously detailed work evokes the romanticism of medieval Europe, a theme that resonated strongly in 19th-century Germany. Consider the socio-political context of Steinhausen's time. Germany was in a period of nation-building, and art often served to create a shared cultural identity. This drawing presents an idealised version of the past, with noble knights and a quaint hilltop town. It suggests a hierarchical social structure, but one that is also harmonious and picturesque. Steinhausen, who trained at the Düsseldorf Academy, shows a clear understanding of art institutions. To understand this piece better, one might research the cultural policies of Imperial Germany and their impact on artistic production. By studying the social and institutional context, we can see how art reflects and shapes our understanding of history.