Kansel in St. Paul c. 17th century

This is a print, made at an unknown date by an anonymous artist, depicting the pulpit, or 'Kansel', in St. Paul's Church. The printmaking process, likely etching or engraving, allows for the precise rendering of this architectural marvel. Notice the detailed ornamentation – cherubs, classical figures, and intricate relief panels. Each element would have required skilled labor. Consider the social context. Church pulpits like this were central to the experience of worship, and this would have required collaboration between skilled artisans and the church's patrons. The print itself served as a means of disseminating the design and celebrating the craftsmanship involved. It invites us to think about the relationship between art, architecture, and the skilled trades. The 'Kansel' wasn't just a functional object. It was a carefully crafted expression of faith and power, brought to life through the work of many hands.