Gezicht op de Sint-Laurentiusabdij in Luik 1738 - 1744

This is an engraving of the Sint-Laurentiusabdij in Liège, made by an anonymous artist. It’s a carefully constructed image, and the formal qualities say a lot about the cultural status of the building it represents. Look at the way the image is constructed, how the hard lines and geometrical shapes create meaning. Made in the 1700s, the image presents the abbey with a sense of order, and the tidy garden suggests a rational approach to nature, reflecting Enlightenment ideas. It invites us to think about the role of religious institutions in society. Was the abbey seen as a beacon of stability and knowledge, or was it viewed with suspicion? To understand this, we need to delve into the social and political context of Liège at the time, exploring the relationship between the church, the state, and the local population. Historical archives, religious texts, and even maps can provide valuable insights. The meaning of art isn't fixed, but rather shaped by the world around it.