Stollen Gasser, Rothenburg, Germany 1876

Andrew Fisher Bunner made this ink on paper drawing titled "Stollen Gasser, Rothenburg, Germany". Bunner's drawing depicts a street scene in Rothenburg, a town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, likely made when he traveled in Europe. The image creates meaning through its detailed rendering of the buildings, cobblestone street, and the horse-drawn cart in the distance. The cultural reference here is to the picturesque quality of European towns, which attracted many American and European artists. Bunner's work aligns with the broader 19th-century interest in depicting historical sites and everyday life, and it reflects the social conditions of increased travel and tourism during that time. It’s interesting to think about whether this artist was making something conservative, or something forward-facing for the art world. To gain a deeper understanding of Bunner's work, we can delve into period travel guides, exhibition reviews, and biographical accounts of the artist. This sort of work helps us understand the social and institutional context of his art.