Ordination, from "The Seven Sacraments" 1754

Johann Anton Riedel created this print, Ordination, from "The Seven Sacraments", sometime around 1736. It depicts the Catholic ritual of ordination, a sacrament through which men become priests. This image offers a glimpse into the rigid hierarchies of 18th-century religious life, as well as the emotional experience of dedicating oneself to the church. Riedel’s composition invites us to consider the construction of masculinity within the priesthood. The young man kneeling before the bishop embodies humility and obedience, qualities traditionally associated with religious devotion. Notice the gazes of the surrounding figures, which seem to emphasize the solemnity and gravity of the occasion. This depiction reinforces the church's authority, as well as the personal journey of faith and commitment. Through its formal and narrative elements, Riedel’s print reflects both the power structures of the church and the deeply personal nature of religious calling. It leaves us to reflect on the intersection of institutional power, personal identity, and spiritual devotion.