Preekstoel in de Stephansdom, Wenen 1870 - 1877

This is an image of the pulpit in Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, likely created in the late 19th century, though the pulpit itself dates to the 16th century. It is made of stone, likely limestone or sandstone. What’s most compelling about this object is the sheer amount of labor required to make it. Every surface is worked: delicate tracery, figurative sculptures, and architectural elements all vie for our attention. These weren't merely decorative flourishes. The ability to afford such craftsmanship was a potent display of power, both for the church and its wealthy patrons. Consider all the skilled hands involved: quarrymen, masons, sculptors, and countless others, all working to realize this vision in stone. The making of the pulpit would have impacted the economy and social dynamics of the time. By focusing on the material and the making, we can understand how the pulpit became more than just a place to deliver sermons; it became a symbol of faith, power, and the transformative capacity of human labor.