Eikenhouten preekstoel in de Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Brugge, België, ontworpen door Jean Antoine Gaeremijn before 1887

This is an image of a wooden pulpit in the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, or Church of Our Lady, in Bruges, Belgium, designed by Jean Antoine Gaeremyn. Pulpits such as these were a crucial feature of the Catholic Church in the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the importance of preaching and sermons in religious practice. Elaborate carvings would often depict biblical scenes and figures to inspire and educate worshippers. The design incorporates images of the Sermon on the Mount, the Samaritan and the Good Pastor, all evoking key episodes in the life of Christ. Church authorities commissioned artworks like this to assert their influence and project a message of divine authority. As an institution, the church has historically played a huge role in Belgium’s social and cultural life. To fully appreciate the artistry and meaning of this pulpit, we need to examine church records, the writings of theologians, and the biographies of the artists involved. Through careful research, we can better understand the social and institutional context that shaped this remarkable work of art.