Landscape near Strasbourg Looking toward St. Gall 1879

W. van Detta created this watercolor landscape near Strasbourg in the 19th century, evoking the picturesque beauty prized by the burgeoning middle class of that era. Painted during a time of significant social change, this tranquil scene reflects a longing for an idealized, pre-industrial past. The romantic landscape, with its soft light and serene composition, offers a retreat from the rapid urbanization and social upheaval of 19th-century Europe. The choice of watercolor, a medium often associated with amateur artists and the leisure classes, further emphasizes this connection to a specific social milieu. As historians, we can delve into the travel guides and popular literature of the time to understand how such landscapes were culturally constructed and consumed. By examining the artist's biography and the exhibition records of the period, we can better appreciate how this seemingly simple landscape speaks to broader social and institutional contexts.