Baldakijn met kruis 1772 - 1780

Jean François de Neufforge created this engraving, titled ‘Baldakijn met kruis’ or Canopy with cross, sometime in the 18th century. It depicts a proposed architectural design for a church altar. Neufforge lived during the height of the Enlightenment, a period that championed reason and individualism. Yet, he devoted much of his career to religious architecture. The engraving reveals the grandeur of church design at this time, reflecting the Catholic Church’s continued power in a rapidly changing world. The baldachin, or canopy, is held up by massive columns and topped by a dome, creating a space for worship that is both awe-inspiring and intimate. At its heart is the cross, anchoring the church to both tradition and faith. Notice the way the design uses classical elements like the columns and statues. These reflect a desire to link Christian faith with the perceived glory of ancient civilizations. This connection sought to give the church a sense of timelessness. The design embodies a tension between innovation and the desire to preserve established norms and beliefs in a time of upheaval.