Tabernakel in de Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedelekathedraal te Brussel 1852 - 1878

François Stroobant created this print of the Tabernacle in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, using lithography. Painted in Belgium during the 19th century, this print offers a glimpse into the social and religious life of the time. The Cathedral, a significant landmark in Brussels, serves as a focal point for religious practice and community gathering. Stroobant's choice to depict the tabernacle, a sacred space within the cathedral, highlights the importance of religious ritual and devotion in Belgian society. The print may reflect the conservative values prevalent in 19th-century Belgium, with its emphasis on traditional religious practices and institutions. By studying archival materials such as church records, newspapers, and personal letters, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role of religion in shaping social attitudes and cultural norms during this period. This image reminds us that artworks are not created in a vacuum, and their meanings are always shaped by the social and institutional contexts in which they are made and viewed.