Rauenstein Castle Seen from the River's Edge c. 1800

Adrian Zingg made this pen and brown ink drawing of Rauenstein Castle in the 18th century. The castle perches atop a hill, presiding over a landscape dotted with humble dwellings and a modest bridge bustling with travelers. Zingg's picturesque scene reflects the growing interest in landscape art during the Enlightenment, but also the increasing cultural importance of the common man. In his native Switzerland, landscape painting took on a decidedly political dimension, emphasizing the value of the native soil and the virtues of rural life. We might consider the politics of this imagery. Is it self-consciously conservative, harking back to an idealized past, or is it progressive in its celebration of the industriousness of the common man? To understand better, we might consult period travel guides and social histories. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.