Schloßruine Eybburg bei Ansbach 

Karl Ballenberger made this drawing of the Eybburg castle ruins near Ansbach, Germany, in the first half of the 19th century. At this time, Germany was experiencing a surge of nationalist sentiment, as people sought to define a shared cultural identity through language, folklore, and history. The ruined castle in the image is a fitting symbol of this cultural moment. Castles represented the heritage of the German people, a connection to the medieval past. As symbols of the past, they were also potent symbols of power. This image invites us to consider questions around how these places are presented to the public and the prevailing political viewpoints. The Städel Museum itself played a vital role in shaping the art canon of the time, displaying artwork in ways that reflected and reinforced nationalist ideals. Understanding how these institutions shape artistic production is essential. By studying historical documents and cultural contexts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the messages that artists like Karl Ballenberger sought to convey through their work.