Rivierlandschap met de muur van een vesting 1783

Adam von Bartsch created this River Landscape with the Wall of a Fortress, using pen and brown ink, around the turn of the 19th century. Bartsch lived through the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars and the rise of industrialism. Landscape art during this time often served as a reflection of broader social and political issues. The imposing fortress in the background of this seemingly serene landscape, reminds us of the ever-present power structures that govern everyday lives. This scene, with figures walking along the path, suggests themes of travel, exploration, and humanity's relationship with nature. However, these landscapes often catered to the tastes of the upper classes, who had the leisure and resources to appreciate such scenes. Bartsch was the director of the Albertina print collection in Vienna and he dedicated himself to collecting, cataloging and researching old master prints. The artist invites us to reflect on our own place within the landscape, both literally and metaphorically. What do you feel when you consider your relationship with history and power?