Rosa and Bertha Gugger 

Albrecht Anker painted Rosa and Bertha Gugger, portraying a tender scene laden with symbolism. The book, prominently displayed, serves as a potent emblem of knowledge and the transmission of wisdom. It echoes the ancient motif of the Madonna reading, a symbol of both maternal care and intellectual depth. Consider the act of reading aloud, a tradition stretching back to antiquity. It is not merely about the transfer of information, but also about the emotional bond formed through storytelling. This gesture carries an emotional weight, evoking a sense of protection and guidance. The motif of reading, like the resurfacing of ancient gods, perpetually reinvents itself, echoing through time. From illuminated manuscripts to modern novels, the book remains a conduit, binding generations through shared narratives. It embodies the enduring power of collective memory.