Gothic Windows in the Ruins of the Monastery at Oybin 1823 - 1833

Carl Gustav Carus painted "Gothic Windows in the Ruins of the Monastery at Oybin" using oil on canvas. It's a traditional medium, but here the paint is used almost like a geological material. Look closely at the surface. Carus has built up a careful rendering of stone, the texture of the blocks is palpable. You can sense the weight and the density, the effect of wind and weather on the surfaces. He's evoking not just the appearance, but also the very substance of the architecture. This wasn't just about replicating the look of the monastery; Carus was interested in the historical forces that had shaped it, both natural and human. By drawing our attention to the materiality of the ruins, he prompts us to think about the labor that went into its construction, and also its decline. So, next time you see a painting, remember it's not just about the image; it's about the materials, the making, and the stories they tell.