Blick auf das Grabmal des Grafen Ludwig von Löwenstein-Wertheim und seiner Frau Anna in der Stiftskirche St. Marien in Wertheim 1861

Alexander Gwinner made this watercolor of the tomb of Count Ludwig von Löwenstein-Wertheim and his wife Anna in St. Mary's Collegiate Church in Wertheim. Painted in the 19th century, Gwinner’s image offers a glimpse into the afterlife ambitions of the aristocracy in earlier eras. Note the architecture of the church, with its play of light and shadow, and the elaborate tombs dominating the space, which is indicative of the enduring influence of the church and the nobility in German society. It is interesting to consider the ways in which such monuments reflect the social hierarchy of their time, serving as both a declaration of faith and a display of earthly power. Art historians can research records and cultural context to understand the relationship between art, religion, and social status, and to reflect on the enduring power of art to shape perceptions of history.