Ombouw van een kansel in de San Marco in Venetië before 1885

Carl Heinrich Jacobi made this photograph of the rebuilding of a pulpit in the San Marco in Venice in the mid-nineteenth century. This image prompts us to consider the role of religious institutions in shaping public life. In nineteenth century Venice, the church was a powerful cultural institution, deeply intertwined with the city’s history, politics, and social fabric. Religious rituals, festivals, and architectural spaces like the San Marco played a central role in shaping Venetian identity and civic pride. Jacobi’s photograph captures a moment of transition and renewal within this historical context. The rebuilding of the pulpit in the San Marco can be understood as a material manifestation of the church’s ongoing efforts to adapt to changing social conditions, reaffirm its authority, and preserve its cultural heritage. To fully understand the context of this photograph, we might also consult architectural drawings, church records, and accounts of Venetian society during this period. These sources can provide valuable insights into the broader social and institutional forces that shaped Jacobi's image.