Baptismal Font c. 1941

This Baptismal Font was made by William Kieckhofel. The original object was 2’ in diameter and 10” high, exclusive of its cross. Looking at the image, one is immediately struck by the texture of the font, which appears to be made of tooled leather. Given the period, it may have been produced in a workshop setting. The repeated patterns are the results of careful, skilled labor. Each impression, each careful stamp on the surface of the leather, represents a moment of human intention. The tooling and shaping required mastery, reflecting not just functional design but also the cultural significance of religious ritual. The font's humble materials are elevated through the maker's care. The soft, warm tone of the leather suggests a humanistic approach to religious art. Appreciating such an object invites us to reconsider the division between craft and fine art. It encourages us to recognize the value and artistry inherent in objects made by skilled hands.