Altaar met reliekhouder c. 1628 - 1693

Jean Lepautre created this print of an altar with a reliquary, a container for holy relics, in the 17th century. Lepautre was a designer and engraver during the Baroque period in France. This print gives us insight into the theatricality of the Baroque era when religious and royal power was expressed through elaborate ornamentation. The altar, with its symmetrical design, is reminiscent of a stage. Angels flank what appears to be a mirror. The print underscores the cultural importance of relics, objects, or body parts associated with saints, which were believed to have spiritual power. In the Baroque era, relics were often displayed in opulent settings, emphasizing the Catholic Church's authority. The print encourages reflection on the power of symbols, whether religious or secular, to shape beliefs. The print captures a moment in history when art served as a powerful tool for shaping identity.