Opname der Salzburger emigranten in Pruisen 1732

Editor: Here we have a two-sided metal print entitled "Opname der Salzburger emigranten in Pruisen" dating back to 1732. It is an engraving, attributed to an anonymous artist, at the Rijksmuseum. The depiction of the portrait and lettering seems formal, almost commemorative. What can you tell me about its historical and cultural context? Curator: This print speaks volumes about power, migration, and religious tolerance in 18th-century Europe. The Salzburger emigrants were Protestants expelled from Salzburg, Austria, by its Catholic rulers. This print, celebrating their acceptance into Prussia, reveals much about the political climate and the role of imagery. Editor: It is interesting to see them as almost propaganda. So Prussia's welcoming arms becomes a way to score points? Curator: Exactly! Prussia, under Frederick William I, actively recruited these skilled Protestant workers. Their arrival boosted Prussia's economy and prestige. The print, therefore, serves as a piece of political messaging, highlighting Prussia's enlightened approach in contrast to Austria's religious intolerance. Think about the intended audience – who was this image trying to convince, and of what? Editor: So it wasn't simply documentation, it was an active promotion of Prussia. Did this influence how artists approached similar subjects afterward? Curator: Absolutely. It contributed to a visual language where rulers and nations were framed as benevolent protectors of the religiously persecuted. Consider the role of the museum exhibiting such works; how do museums today engage with similar narratives? Editor: This puts the print in a new perspective, thinking of how Prussia gained political clout and prestige. Curator: It's a potent reminder that art doesn't just reflect history, it actively shapes our understanding of it, particularly considering it's function and where it is viewed.