Thomas Andratschke

Das Bildprogramm der Weltallschale: Reichspolitischer Status und religiöses Bekenntnis

The author of the study discusses the pictorial programme of the so-called Weltallschale of Rudolf II. The result of his analysis places doubt on the usual connections of this artefact with the ruler's person and the Rudolfinian artistic circle. Andratschke comes to the conclusion that the religious status of Weltallschale falls outside of the Habsburgian emperor's denomination. According to him, it is - as a verbal-visual synthesis of the design of law and mercy and the Vision of Saint John of the New Testament - in the Protestant spirit. The author also searches for the roots of Rudolf II's national consciousness among the old Germanic peoples, which puts him at odds with today's notions of the art of Rudolf II.

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