Standbeeld van Petrus Canisius in Fribourg 1897

This photograph shows the statue of Petrus Canisius in Fribourg, made by Ernest Lorson, most likely in the early 20th century. This image speaks to the cultural and institutional history of Switzerland, and the complex relationship between religious and secular authorities during this period. Consider how the figure of Canisius, a Catholic saint known for his role in the Counter-Reformation, is represented in this public monument. How does the statue engage with the surrounding architecture, the church in the background, and the positioning of the figure in relation to the viewer? These visual cues suggest an attempt to reaffirm Catholic identity. We should look at archives from the Catholic church, Swiss state records, local newspapers, and biographical information on the artist, to better understand the social and cultural context of this artwork. The meaning of this statue is not fixed or universal, but rather contingent on the social forces that shaped its production and reception.