Rothenburg 1867 - 1910

Etha Fles created this etching titled 'Rothenburg'. Here, Fles depicts a street in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a German town renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. This choice reflects a broader cultural interest in the late 19th century to celebrate and preserve national heritage. The etching technique, with its fine lines and delicate shading, lends itself to the picturesque and romantic vision of the past, as seen in the architecture. The medieval imagery and the lack of people speak to the social conditions of the time, one of rapid industrialization and urbanization. The nostalgic choice of subject matter offers an escape from the present, a longing for a simpler, pre-industrial era. Art history, though, invites deeper inquiry. By exploring city archives and photographic records, we can better understand the social and political contexts that shaped Fles’ artistic choices. The value of art lies not only in what it shows but also in what it reveals about the society that produced it.