The castle near Gera 

Friedrich Rauscher made this landscape, "The Castle near Gera," in Germany using opaque watercolor. It gives us a glimpse into the aesthetic and social values of the late 18th century. The image presents an idealized view of the Thuringian countryside, complete with grazing cows, a shepherd, and a castle perched picturesquely on a hill. This wasn't just about capturing a scene; it was about constructing an image of social order. The castle, a symbol of feudal power, is harmoniously integrated into the landscape, suggesting a natural, even divinely ordained hierarchy. Rauscher was working in a period of significant social upheaval, with the Enlightenment challenging traditional authority. Yet, this image seems to reinforce the status quo. The Städel Museum, which now houses this painting, was itself founded in the early 19th century as part of a broader effort to cultivate civic virtue and national identity through art. By studying estate records, travel journals, and the writings of the time, we can better understand how this seemingly idyllic scene served to legitimize existing power structures.