Gezicht op de Neubaukirche in Würzburg 1740

Johann August Corvinus made this print of the Neubaukirche in Würzburg. The image presents a bird's-eye view, emphasizing the church's imposing architecture and its place within the urban landscape. Consider the cultural context: Würzburg, a city with a strong religious history, dominated by powerful Prince-Bishops. Neubaukirche, built in the late 16th century, symbolizes the Counter-Reformation, reasserting Catholic authority. Corvinus’s print doesn't just record architecture; it mediates it. Prints like these shaped the public's perception of religious and civic power. They also played a role in promoting the city itself. As historians, we delve into archives, architectural plans, and period documents to uncover the layers of meaning embedded in this image. Art is never created in a vacuum. It reflects the beliefs, values, and power structures of its time.