Bestellung Der Kronprinzessin Für Den Altar Der Christuskirche in Danzig-langfuhr 

Ludwig Manzel created “Bestellung Der Kronprinzessin Für Den Altar Der Christuskirche in Danzig-langfuhr” (translation: The Crown Princess's Order for the Altar of the Church of Christ in Danzig-Langfuhr) with white glazed terracotta. Manzel was working in Germany during a time of growing nationalism and social change, which heavily influenced his artistic style. Although he received many commissions for public monuments celebrating German militarism, this relief sculpture presents a more intimate scene of the Nativity. Consider the gender roles depicted here. The kneeling Mary is tenderly caring for the infant Jesus, while the male figures, also kneeling, are in prayer. The artist adheres to traditional representations while injecting emotion into the subjects, creating a sense of reverence and devotion. The tactile quality of the terracotta and the soft modeling of the figures evoke a sense of human warmth. This piece reflects the societal values of the time, emphasizing family, faith, and traditional gender roles.