Gezicht op Murten 1780 - 1786

This is François Nicolas Barthélemy Dequevauviller’s “Gezicht op Murten”, an artwork made with etching. Note how the church perches atop the hill, a silent sentinel overlooking the town. This placement isn't coincidental; it's a deliberate act, echoing the ancient tradition of placing sacred structures on high ground. Think of the ziggurats of Mesopotamia or the temples of ancient Greece. These elevated positions weren't just for visibility but to emphasize the church's connection to the heavens and its role as a spiritual guide. This symbol of the church, both as a building and as an institution, is complex. Throughout the ages, it’s been seen as a beacon of hope, a symbol of oppression, and a testament to human ambition. The image continues to evolve, as its meaning has changed over time, with some viewing it as a sanctuary, while others associate it with societal control.