Preekstoel van de Abdij Riddagshausen te Braunschweig 1892

This is a photograph by J. Schombardt of the Preekstoel van de Abdij Riddagshausen te Braunschweig, a pulpit in an abbey. Look closely, and you’ll see that the pulpit is made from carved wood. The image captures the texture and weight of this piece; observe the details of the wood, the patterns, and the forms into which the material has been shaped. Creating this pulpit required specialized skills that would have taken years to master. The transformation of raw material into a complex form through techniques like carving and joining represents a significant investment of time and labor. Understanding this photograph of the Preekstoel requires us to think about the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Recognizing the craftsmanship involved challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.