Mittenwald is a small city near the border with Austria. It is known for its house frescoes; Called 'luftmalerei,' they are a show of wealth. The more elaborate the frescoe, the more successful the owner. Mittenwald was at one time a thriving commercial town, trading with Austria and Italy. This view shows a frescoe depicting a market scene. Luftmalerei could also be used as trompe l'oeil, to create an optical illusion. In alpine and sub-alpine Germany, luftmalerei were often used to depict religious scenes, or scenes from the history of the town.