Untitled c. 17th century

Editor: This is an untitled etching attributed to Melchior Küsel, it's a small plate showing a grand cathedral. It feels almost staged, with the figures in the foreground. What strikes you about this image? Curator: I'm drawn to the power dynamics inherent in architectural depictions. How does this image of imposing religious power influence public perception and behavior, especially considering its wide distribution through print? The gaze directed towards the cathedral enforces a hierarchy. Editor: So, it’s not just about the beautiful building, but also about the power it represents and how that’s communicated? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the Church used such images to assert dominance, shaping social and political landscapes. Thinking about its role in reinforcing existing power structures is crucial. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered. I’ll definitely look at architectural prints differently now.