Gezicht op een kas aan de Schlesischestrasse 24 in Berlijn, Duitsland before 1877

This print, whose author is unknown, depicts a glasshouse in Berlin. Though undated, the print likely comes from the late 19th century, a period of rapid industrial expansion in Germany. The image presents a peculiar architectural form; neither purely functional nor entirely decorative, the glasshouse represents an intersection of aesthetic and practical considerations, perhaps mirroring the broader cultural context of the time. As Berlin grew into a major European capital, there was increasing interest in both scientific innovation and the beautification of urban spaces. Institutions dedicated to both science and art expanded at an exponential rate during this period. To understand such an image fully, we must research not only the history of architecture and design but also the social values that shaped urban development. Records from municipal archives, architectural journals, and even personal diaries could offer insights into the cultural meanings attached to structures like this glasshouse. In doing so, we recognize that the significance of a work of art lies not only in its physical form but in its complex relationship with the society that produced it.