Alexis en Dora 1818 - 1851

Christoph Preisel created "Alexis en Dora," a print which encapsulates the romanticism of the 19th century. Preisel, born in 1818, lived through a time of significant social and political upheaval, where notions of love and relationships were evolving. The embrace between Alexis and Dora, set against the backdrop of classical motifs, speaks volumes about the era's fascination with idealized love. However, the work goes beyond mere representation. Preisel’s figures, caught in a tender moment, invite us to consider the power dynamics inherent in romantic relationships. Are they equals or is there a subtle tension between them? The seemingly idyllic setting, reminiscent of a utopian past, is in stark contrast to the reality of Preisel's contemporary society, where class divisions and social inequalities were pervasive. The embrace, therefore, is a projection of a longing for connection and equality in a fractured world. This print captures a moment of longing and the desire for a more equitable world.