Design for an Altar 1700 - 1780

Editor: Here we have a drawing titled "Design for an Altar" dating back to somewhere between 1700 and 1780, currently residing at The Met. It looks to be rendered with print and drawing media. What immediately strikes me is its geometric and architectural emphasis, but I'm also wondering about its functionality beyond pure aesthetics. What can you tell me about this design? Curator: It’s fascinating, isn’t it? This design offers a powerful entry point for exploring the intersection of religious expression, architectural ambition, and societal control during the Baroque era. Consider how such altars visually reinforced hierarchical power structures, dictating the gaze and shaping spiritual experiences. How might the opulence, expressed by geometric shapes and architectural elements, play a role in defining the relationship between the individual and the divine? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered fully. I was so caught up in admiring the technical skill that I didn’t consider it could have a darker undertone of reinforcing social hierarchies! So you see this artwork through the lens of power dynamics? Curator: Absolutely. The very act of creating such a lavish altar—requiring specialized skills and resources—speaks volumes about the church's socio-economic position. Ask yourself, who had access to this space? Whose stories were told and whose were erased within its ornate framework? We must examine the societal structures that this altar reflects and reinforces, considering the impact on various groups – women, the poor, marginalized communities. Editor: This completely changes how I see this work! Instead of merely admiring the craftsmanship, I can think about how this design served certain interests in Baroque society, excluding others. Thanks so much. Curator: It is through such critical inquiry that we can unlock deeper truths about our shared past. Understanding art as a reflection of cultural forces empowers us to challenge existing norms.