Slot Babelsberg, Potsdam 1855 - 1885

Editor: This is "Slot Babelsberg, Potsdam," a photograph by Siegfried Rosenthal, dating from around 1885. It’s an albumen print and, at first glance, I'm struck by its fairytale mood, almost like something from a childhood dream. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, it whispers tales, doesn't it? Look closely – that soft focus, almost blurring reality into something remembered. This isn't just a photo of a castle; it’s a window into Romanticism. See how the light caresses the architecture? Rosenthal’s not just documenting; he's creating atmosphere, a kind of wistful yearning. It feels like a half-remembered story being retold through sepia-toned glasses. What feeling does that conjure for you? Editor: I can see that! It makes me think of old family photo albums and stories passed down through generations. But photography wasn't always considered "art" then, was it? Curator: That’s the delicious bit of rebellion! While painting held its lofty position, photography, with its "mechanical" nature, was often sniffed at. Yet, artists like Rosenthal defied those notions. He used the camera not as a mere recording device but as a brush, playing with light and shadow, coaxing emotion out of cold stone. To me, it screams of human artistry fighting to be recognised in a modern age. Did that romantic impulse emerge to create a "perfected" scene? Editor: That's fascinating. So, it's about elevating the medium itself, not just capturing a pretty picture. I definitely understand the artistic rebellion element, but it still resonates with something deeply comforting. Thanks for the insights, they offer a fresh perspective. Curator: The pleasure was all mine, as light can shift, remember we are all free to conjure!