Heilige Alfonso Maria de' Liguori 1834 - 1876

Xaver Steifensand made this print of Saint Alphonsus Liguori sometime in the mid-19th century. Here, the saint is depicted holding a crosier and giving a blessing. Steifensand was working in an era where religious imagery played a crucial role in shaping social values and moral conduct. Prints such as this one would have been made for wide distribution to reinforce Catholic teachings in private households and religious institutions. This work reflects the conservative social and religious norms of the time. It was created in the context of 19th-century Germany when the Catholic Church sought to reassert its authority. The print participates in the construction of religious icons. To truly understand this print, we need to consider the history of religious institutions and popular piety in 19th century Germany. A variety of historical materials can allow us to contextualize and interpret the print in terms of its contemporary social role.