Plattegronden van twee preekstoelen 1727 - 1771

This drawing of two pulpits was created by Emanuel Eichel in the 18th century. The symmetrical designs are presented as architectural plans. Look at the shapes that make up each plan: from the scalloped edges of the outer perimeters, notice how they step inward toward the central space, creating a sense of depth and dimension. These layered forms could be interpreted through the lens of structuralism, where the pulpit's design isn't just aesthetic, but a system of signs. The central space, where the sermon is delivered, is framed by these layers, perhaps signifying layers of meaning or authority. The symmetry suggests balance and order, reinforcing the pulpit's role as a stable, authoritative space for disseminating knowledge and moral guidance. The drawing, with its precise lines and geometric forms, embodies the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order. The pulpit then is not merely a physical structure, but a formal representation of power, knowledge, and the architectural embodiment of religious discourse.