Buitenzijde van trap in het stadhuis van Frankfurt am Main 1742

Andreas Reinhard created this print of the staircase at Frankfurt am Main City Hall sometime before his death in 1752. The print offers a glimpse into the world of civic power during the 18th century. Consider the role architecture plays in constructing social hierarchies. The grand staircase isn't merely functional; it’s a carefully designed stage. Its imposing scale and ornate details would have impressed upon visitors the authority of the governing body. The wrought iron gate acts as both a physical barrier and a symbolic representation of the separation between the rulers and the ruled. Prints like this one circulated widely, shaping perceptions of Frankfurt and its leaders. Reinhard’s image, in essence, participates in the theater of power, reinforcing the city’s self-image as a center of commerce and governance. What emotions does the structure evoke for you?