Bank 1830 - 1831

This delicate pencil drawing of a bank by August Lucas invites us to reflect on the cultural and social values projected onto landscapes in the 19th century. Born in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1803, Lucas grew up during a time of emerging Romanticism, a movement which placed a strong emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. The drawing depicts a serene view, seemingly untouched. Yet, it also subtly suggests themes of land ownership and control, ideas deeply entwined with issues of class and power. While appearing neutral, landscapes like this have historically served to reinforce certain cultural narratives, often obscuring the labor and social dynamics inherent in the land. What stories does it tell, and whose voices are missing? Consider the impact of our own presence in these spaces today. What stories might we write onto these landscapes, and how do they reflect our current societal values and anxieties?