Plattegronden van twee preekstoelen 1727 - 1771

Emanuel Eichel created this print, "Plattegronden van twee preekstoelen," which translates to "Floor Plans of Two Pulpits," sometime in the 18th century. This was a period when the design and architecture of religious spaces played a significant role in shaping spiritual and social experiences. These aren't just blueprints; they reflect a society deeply invested in the power and symbolism of its religious structures. The pulpit, as the elevated stand for preaching, was central to communicating religious doctrine, moral guidance, and social norms. These plans offer insight into the spatial dynamics of religious authority. How did the design of these pulpits influence the relationship between the preacher and the congregation? What unspoken messages about power, gender, and social hierarchy were embedded in these architectural choices? As you look at this print, consider how architecture, even in its planning stages, is never neutral. It shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and experiences.