Kanselaltaar met Christuskind 1705 - 1775

This print shows a design for a pulpit altar featuring the Christ Child, and was made by an anonymous artist. It embodies the baroque style, likely around the 17th or 18th century, a period when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its spiritual authority through art. The visual codes here are telling: the altar, framed by ornate columns and topped with the figure of the Christ Child, emphasizes the Church's hierarchical structure. The baroque style, originating in Italy, spread throughout Europe as a visual component of the Counter-Reformation. It's self-consciously conservative, aimed to inspire awe and reinforce faith. Understanding the socio-political context is crucial. Historical sources from the period, such as church records, architectural plans, and theological writings, could offer insights into the beliefs and motivations that shaped this design. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on the social and institutional context that produced it.