Wächter des Paradieses c. 1889

This image titled, “Guardian of Paradise,” was made by Franz von Stuck, who was working in Germany around the turn of the 20th century. In this etching, Stuck presents a winged figure standing guard at the entrance to paradise. The figure is holding a bow, ready to strike. In 1900, when this was made, there was an art movement called Symbolism, which delved into the realms of mythology, religion, and the imagination. Artists often aimed to express deeper, more spiritual meanings through their work. The image draws on religious imagery, prompting questions about what paradise means, who gets in, and who is kept out. As historians, we can look into the philosophies and cultural values of the time, such as the rise of religious conservatism or the appeal of esoteric spiritualism. We could ask, what was the public role of art at this time and what social conditions shaped its production? By exploring these questions, we can better understand the nuances of von Stuck’s “Guardian of Paradise.”