Tobit and Anna c. 19th century

Curator: Rudolph Wiegmann created this line drawing, "Tobit and Anna," sometime in the early to mid-19th century. Editor: It's a study in quiet desperation, wouldn't you say? Two figures framed by this arched window, seemingly isolated. Curator: Precisely. Wiegmann was part of the Düsseldorf School of painting, a movement known for its romantic and often religious or historical subjects. Editor: The inscription above the window—"I know that my father and mother are counting all the days and hours"—adds such a strong layer of grief and anticipation. Curator: It speaks to the Book of Tobit, where the couple anxiously awaits their son's return, laden with miraculous healing powers. The art world at the time was heavily influenced by such Biblical themes. Editor: How interesting it is that even in this religious context, the drawing manages to convey such universal human emotions of longing and hope. Curator: It's a work that prompts reflection on the enduring power of faith and the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world. Editor: Absolutely. It seems that waiting is a sentiment that can transcend any historical period or dogma.