Rothenberg O. Tauber 

Curator: So, we have here an etching called "Rothenberg O. Tauber," which is a landscape and cityscape scene. Editor: Wow, my first impression is that this image really has a fairy-tale kind of ambiance. I'm kind of getting a Brothers Grimm vibe, maybe? Curator: Yes, I can certainly see that. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a Franconian city in Bavaria, Germany, known for its well-preserved medieval old town, a consistent image across centuries. The steep roofs, the cobblestone streets...it all feeds that feeling of a place untouched by time, steeped in folk tales. Editor: Right! And that's interesting to me because you mentioned that this image presents that consistency, yet there's something about it that feels heavy, dark. It reminds me how history has a beautiful, romantic veneer, but beneath there is a lot of struggle. I imagine all those stories that have vanished, or transformed beyond recognition. Curator: I think you're picking up on something. There’s the strong architectural imagery, but you can feel an undercurrent that is much less idealized; the very angular etching work that creates this world shows a strong undercurrent. And I also read some deeper metaphors that point to things like resilience and preservation—a collective identity that this place still stands and means something to the local and even outside population. Editor: Mmhmm. It also draws me in how close the structure seems; in the foreground, like it is guarding the secrets to be found within its wall...And that gives me a certain thrill, an excitement! To understand a long line of interconnected meanings. Curator: Absolutely, that kind of narrative pulls one into the space! This is one reason I enjoy viewing etchings; I appreciate the linear marks but the medium helps give me those narratives too. I guess, I like being able to engage my imagination within that setting. Editor: For me, the stark contrast of the etching really captures a fleeting mood that holds so many contrasting tones: there’s an intimacy, but it still hints at something epic. And thinking about those little marks…I can almost hear the scraping of the tool into the metal, feel the texture of the ink on paper. The artist becomes an almost palpable presence. Curator: It is always amazing to bring to life artwork like this. Editor: Exactly, thanks to the art, and our collective imagination that fills them up with our realities!