S. Domenico in Perugia 8 - 1828

Friedrich Maximilian Hessemer made this pencil drawing of S. Domenico in Perugia. The architecture of the church and its positioning atop a hill might evoke feelings of permanence, authority, and stability. Yet, who gets to feel that sense of belonging and security? Hessemer's delicate strokes seem to soften the edges of the building. This reminds us that architecture is not just about stone and structure; it is about the stories, lives, and power dynamics that these spaces hold. Churches like S. Domenico often stood as symbols of religious and social power, places where doctrines were preached and social hierarchies reinforced. They were spaces where the experiences of women, the poor, and people of color were often marginalized. Ultimately, Hessemer's drawing invites us to reflect on how buildings shape our perceptions and experiences. It encourages us to consider whose stories are told and whose are left out, and to recognize the emotional and social weight that architectural spaces carry.