Preekstoel met rookvat 1699 - 1726

This is an undated etching by Johann Jakob Schübler, depicting a highly ornamented pulpit with an incense burner. Made in Germany, this print exemplifies the Baroque style, prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries. The dramatic curves, elaborate decorations, and theatrical elements embody the period’s emphasis on grandeur and emotional impact. Consider the role of the church at this time. As a powerful institution, it used art and architecture to inspire awe and reinforce its authority. The pulpit, from which sermons were delivered, became a focal point of the church, richly adorned to symbolize the importance of the spoken word. The placement of an incense burner suggests not only the sensory experience of worship, but also the cultural and political power invested in religious ritual. Historical research into the patronage of religious art, architectural pattern books, and theological texts can shed light on the social function of such images. By exploring the context in which art is made, we can understand how it reflects and shapes society.