St. Goar um 1835, engraving by J.W. Archer after Leitch 

J.W. Archer created this engraving after a drawing by William Leighton Leitch showing St. Goar around 1835. The scene reflects a moment in time for the working class, capturing the local market and the movement of people and goods. Notice how Leitch and Archer depict the figures; their clothing and activities give us a glimpse into their daily lives. The artist’s portrayal of labor and commerce invites us to consider the cultural and economic forces that shaped this community. While this scene appears to simply document the activities of the town, it also acknowledges the importance of labor and the everyday lives of working-class individuals. Look at the detail in the architecture and the landscape, which could be said to provide an authentic representation of St. Goar, but is also infused with the picturesque aesthetic that was popular at the time. This work serves not only as a historical record, but also captures the spirit and character of the place.