Saint-Jean Church, Thiers 1831

Eugène Isabey created “Saint-Jean Church, Thiers” using lithography. Born in 1803, Isabey navigated a France marked by political and social upheavals. He painted mostly seascapes, but with this lithograph he invites us to reflect on the relationships between the church and its community. Perched atop a steep hill, the church dominates the physical and social landscape. Consider how its imposing presence might have affected the daily lives and spiritual beliefs of the townspeople. Do you feel a sense of awe, or perhaps one of confinement, when looking up at the church? Notice how the artist captures a moment in time. Figures walk along the winding path leading to the church, emphasizing the importance of religious spaces as meeting grounds. As we consider Isabey's artwork, we can reflect on how religious institutions have shaped our societies, and how they continue to influence our perceptions of power and community.