Plate XIX c. 19th century

Editor: This is Johann Caspar Nepomuk Scheuren's "Plate XIX," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The scene feels quite idyllic, almost like a fairy tale illustration. What strikes you about it? Curator: I'm drawn to how Scheuren uses this romantic landscape to evoke a sense of national identity. Consider the time: 19th century Germany, a period of burgeoning nationalism. How does the picturesque quality of the scene play into this? Editor: Do you mean the idealized village makes a statement about German heritage? Curator: Precisely. It presents a romanticized vision of the German countryside, influencing perceptions of national character. What do you think the effect is on the viewer? Editor: It's fascinating to consider how art can shape not just aesthetic taste, but also national pride. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure! It reminds us that art is rarely created in a vacuum.