A Celebration 1670 - 1719

Johann Ulrich Kraus created this print, "A Celebration," sometime between 1655 and 1719. Kraus was working in Augsburg, a city in Southern Germany that was then part of the Holy Roman Empire, a complex political entity in which local rulers paid nominal allegiance to an emperor. This print depicts an elaborate, temporary structure ablaze with fireworks. Crowds gather to witness the spectacle. These kinds of displays were often staged to celebrate coronations, military victories, or other events that would bolster a ruler's prestige. Visual codes such as classical architecture, triumphal arches, and the presence of eagles were often used to associate contemporary rulers with the glory of the Roman Empire. Looking at prints such as this one, historians often consult primary sources such as court documents or newspapers, to better understand the context and meaning of such events. It's important to remember that what may appear to be a spontaneous outpouring of enthusiasm was often carefully managed and orchestrated by those in power.