Lofdicht op de stadsbibliothek in de Wasserkirche te Zürich 1661

Editor: I’m looking at “Lofdicht op de stadsbibliothek in de Wasserkirche te Zürich,” an engraving from 1661. It's an intriguing blend of image and text. The building is prominently displayed, but the text is so dense, almost overwhelming. It has an official character, as if meant for a broad audience. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Considering this print through a historical lens, I'm struck by the powerful connection it establishes between civic pride and intellectual pursuit. It's not merely a portrait of the library; it's a deliberate construction of its public image, crafted to convey authority and cultural significance. Editor: Public image in what way? It looks so... stark. Curator: It uses the relatively new printing press for ideological purposes. See how the architectural representation isn't idealized but rather shows the building in a matter-of-fact manner, embedding the library within the existing social and political power structures of Zurich. Editor: It’s interesting that you call it "ideological," since from our vantage, city libraries don't seem to be sites of great contestation. Was that really the case back then? Curator: Absolutely. Access to information, controlled and disseminated by the authorities, was power. The library symbolized civic virtue and learned authority, especially significant during a period of religious and political upheaval in Europe. Editor: That really changes my understanding of it. So it is propaganda as much as it is a city portrait. Curator: Indeed. The text, with its elaborate calligraphy and formal language, further reinforces this sense of official endorsement and intellectual superiority, ensuring that the library was understood as an integral part of the city’s identity. It also speaks to the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Editor: I hadn’t considered it that way. Seeing it as part of Zurich's civic identity makes a lot more sense.