Christus verschijnt bij het Meer van Galilea en stelt Petrus aan als hoofd van zijn kerk by Johan George Lodewijk Rieke

Christus verschijnt bij het Meer van Galilea en stelt Petrus aan als hoofd van zijn kerk 1827 - 1898

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Dimensions: height 127 mm, width 227 mm

Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain

Editor: This print by Johan George Lodewijk Rieke, titled *Christ Appearing at the Sea of Galilee and Appointing Peter as Head of His Church*, made sometime between 1827 and 1898, possesses a remarkable sense of depth achieved purely through engraving. It evokes a quiet, almost solemn atmosphere. What can you tell me about its place in the history of religious art? Curator: Well, engravings like this one served a critical function in disseminating religious narratives throughout the 19th century. Consider the power dynamics at play: who controlled the imagery, and what messages were being emphasized? Here, we see the visual reinforcement of the Church’s authority. Editor: It's interesting how it translates the idea of authority visually. The figure of Christ bathed in light is quite obvious, but how would this engraving function beyond religious settings? Curator: These prints were affordable, reproducible, and found their way into homes, schools, and even political pamphlets. Romanticism favored intense emotional and spiritual experience; therefore, history paintings depicting dramatic biblical events appealed to bourgeois sensibilities. Consider who might collect these images to legitimize particular views. Editor: So, it's not just a devotional image; it becomes intertwined with broader social and political conversations? Curator: Precisely. The choice of depicting this specific biblical scene – the appointment of Peter – subtly reinforces ideas of succession and legitimate leadership. Who benefits from these ideals and how does its romantic style strengthen their intended effects? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but that’s really illuminating. I'll definitely consider the broader societal impact when I encounter religious art from this era. Curator: Understanding how these images operated within the 19th century media landscape allows for a more complete understanding.

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