View of Lake Lucerne Opposite Brunnen 

Hermann Ottomar Herzog painted this view of Lake Lucerne, opposite Brunnen, with oil on canvas. His approach to landscape embodies a moment in European history when Romanticism’s emphasis on nature intertwined with the rise of tourism and leisure. Herzog, a German artist, traveled extensively, capturing scenes from around the globe. Switzerland, with its dramatic mountains and serene lakes, became a popular destination for artists and tourists alike. Paintings like this one catered to a growing market for picturesque views, offering viewers a glimpse of idyllic landscapes. The composition emphasizes the sublime power of nature, yet also presents a safe, accessible scene, fitting for consumption by a middle-class audience eager to experience the beauty of the natural world. To fully appreciate Herzog’s work, we can look at guidebooks, travelogues, and the history of tourism to understand how places like Lake Lucerne became synonymous with leisure and escape. By doing so, we see how art shapes and is shaped by cultural values.