Runkel on the Lahn 

Peter Becker captured Runkel on the Lahn in this pencil and watercolor drawing now held at the Städel Museum. Here we see a rendering of a small German town, dominated by the looming presence of its medieval castle and towers. The image creates meaning through its deliberate composition. The castle isn't just a visual feature; it's a cultural reference to a bygone era of feudalism and local power. Made in Germany, a nation undergoing profound social and political changes in the 19th century, Becker’s choice of subject matter and medium reflects a cultural interest in the past. The Romantic movement, with its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the glorification of history and nature, was very influential at this time. Understanding this artwork requires the tools of the social historian. Scrutinizing the visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations will help you contextualize the place of Becker’s artwork within the artistic and social norms of his time.