Fortress of Sonnenstein above Pirna 1756

Bernardo Bellotto created this painting of the Fortress of Sonnenstein above Pirna, using oil on canvas, a staple of fine art, and especially of the topographical view. Bellotto was known for his cityscapes, and like a photograph, oil paint captured an uncanny level of detail. Look closely, and you can see how he uses the medium to create a smooth, almost porcelain-like finish, mimicking the effect of light on stone and tile. He has captured not just the buildings themselves, but also their textures, the way light reflects off of their surfaces, and how they sit within their environment. The painting also subtly speaks to the social context of its time. The fortress, a symbol of power, looms over the town, while everyday life unfolds in the foreground with the grazing sheep. This juxtaposition reminds us of the labor and resources required to maintain such structures, reflecting the economic realities of 18th-century Europe. By considering the materials and techniques employed, we gain a deeper understanding of the work itself, and how it connects to the world around it.