Monnik op een ezel wordt met monstrans in de handen voort geleid 1840

Joseph von Führich created this print, “Monk on a donkey is led with monstrance in his hands,” during the mid-19th century. It’s a fascinating piece that offers insight into the complex relationship between religion, authority, and social critique. The image depicts a religious procession, but it’s rendered with a satirical edge. The monk, holding a monstrance, is riding an ass; he is escorted by armed men. This is a clear visual comment on the Church’s power. Führich critiques the institutional church, perhaps questioning its wealth and earthly authority. The artist likely draws from a tradition of anti-clerical satire prevalent in European art since the Reformation. To understand this print fully, scholars delve into the religious and political history of 19th-century Europe, looking at debates around secularization, the role of the Church, and the rise of nationalism. Such research illuminates the social context in which artists like Führich operated, revealing the potent ways in which art can reflect and challenge the norms of its time.