Jonathan White (MNZM). 1938 – 2021
2001. Oil on Canvas. Dimensions: 28″ x 48″ (710 x 1210mm)
Price: NZD $8,000
Cochem Castle (Schloss Reichsburg), on its high elevation, overlooks the area. It dominates the town and is an impressive feature.
Cochem Castle was built around 1000 by Count Ezzo, son of Count Hermann Pusilius. In 1151 Konrad III occupied the castle and it became an imperial fiefdom. In 1294 Adolf or Nassau pawned the castle and the town of Cochem to Boemund I (Bishop of Trier) in order to pay for his coronation. Neither Adolf nor his successor, Albrecht oI of Austria could redeem the pledge.
When the army of King Louis XIV (Sun King) invaded the Rhine and the Moselle area in 1689, Cochem Castle and the town were occupied. In May 1689 they were set on fire, undermined and blown up.
It remained in ruins until 1868, when Berlin businessman, Louis Ravene bought the castle grounds and the ruins and began to rebuild Cochem Castle. The castle is now a hotel owned by the local town. It is situated on an outstanding hill more than 100 metres above the river Moselle.
“Drawing straight lines and architectural structures is an interesting departure and diversion from the irregularities of the Fiordland winderness and New Zealand landscape. As an artist it is important to continuously challenge oneself and seek new forms and colours. Europe presents a feast of new ideas and subjects to paint.”
– Jonathan R White
