Der Main und das linke Mainufer, oberhalb von Sachsenhausen 1861

Peter Becker captured this view of ‘The Main and the left bank of the Main, above Sachsenhausen’ in a watercolor, at a time when Frankfurt was undergoing rapid industrialization. Born in Frankfurt, Becker's intimate knowledge of the local landscape is evident, but it's the subtle human presence that piques my interest. Observe the figures along the path and on the river; Becker integrates them almost seamlessly into the scenery, reflecting a society where humans and nature were perceived as coexisting harmoniously. This piece isn't just a depiction of a place; it reflects a specific cultural and historical understanding of our place within the natural world. Rather than making grand statements, Becker invites us to consider the small moments of daily life. I see this painting as an invitation to reflect on how our relationship with the environment shapes our identities and experiences.