Design for a Monumental Altar, Plate b from 'Unterschiedliche Neu Inventierte Altäre mit darzu gehörigen Profillen u. Grundrißen.' 1745 - 1755

This drawing of a monumental altar was made with etching and engraving, likely by Johann Michael Leüchte. The artist used the repeatable process of printmaking to disseminate an architectural idea: a spectacular church altar. This would have been made from stone and plaster by expert stonemasons and plasterers. Each element, from the columns to the sculptural figures, demanded skilled labor. Note how the image itself mimics this division of labor, with crisp lines and precise details achieved through methodical work at the etching press. The design suggests the aspirations of the Catholic Church, with its elaborate ornamentation and towering presence. Yet, the print also speaks to the growing commercialization of art in the 18th century, where even religious expression became a commodity. The artist's technical mastery is evident, but it's the socio-economic context of production that truly brings this image to life, blurring the lines between artistry, craft, and commerce.