Kust bij Luzern 1860 - 1861

Isaac Gosschalk created this pencil drawing of the shore near Lucerne. Looking at this sketch, consider the context of 19th-century landscape art, which often served as a means to explore identity and the relationship between humanity and nature. This work is a sketch; a moment in time, as it were. As a Jewish man in the 19th century, Gosschalk's identity might have influenced his artistic choices, perhaps leaning towards subjects that allowed for a sense of belonging. The landscape is both imposing and serene, a duality that resonates with the complex identities present at this historical moment. The deliberate, yet soft lines, give the landscape an emotional depth, inviting viewers to contemplate their place within this scene. This is a reminder that even seemingly simple landscapes can be rich with layers of identity, history and personal meaning.