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Period: to
Modern European History
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Revocation of the Edict of Nantes
This engraving called "The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes" by Jan Luiken shows the absolute ruler of France, Louis XIV revoking a policy of religious toleration in 1685. This shows that the absolute monarchy is working closely with the Catholic Church, which increases influence of the Church.
The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 1685 -
David Hume's Skepticism
David Hume, a Scottish philosopher, published "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" in 1748. Hume was an important thinker of the Scottish Enlightenment and this text reintroduced the philosophy of skepticism, which encourages the reader to question all aspects of life, including religious tachings. The popularization of this thinking during the Enlightenment served to weaken the influence of religion in society.
Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748 -
German Romanticism
This painting, entitled "Cloister Cemetary in the Snow" by German artist David Freidrich embodies the Romantic movement in Germany. After it was dimisnished in the Enlightenment, Romanticism tried to bring back the glory of the Church, as shown by this painting, which romanticizes the ruins of a middle ages gothic cathedral.
Cloister Cemetary in the Snow, 1819 -
Civil Influence of Napoleon Spreads
Napoleon introduced the French Civil Code, taking religion out of aspects of life such as marriage, and conquered many surrounding states, spreading French these ideas. This painting by Swiss artist Albert Anker entitled "Die Ziviltrauung" or "The Civil Ceremony" shows the lingering infulence of Napoleon in Switzerland by depicting a civil marriage ceremony.
Die Ziviltrauung -
British Imperialism in Kenya
This image, entitled "Brick chapel at Kijabe," shows Laura Collins, a British missionary, with a group of Kenyan children. At a time when the Church was losing its influence in Britain to capitalism and science, this shows an effort by missionaries to claim influence elsewhere, through their "civilizing mission."
Brick Chapel at Kijabe, 1914 -
Stalin's Secular Cult of Personality
This is a propaganda poster from the Soviet Union dated 1938 that proclaims, "Long live the great Stalin!" Efforts by Stalin to erase religion in his Soviet Union effectively created a cult of personality around him, idealized as the infallible leader, as shown by this depiction.
Long Live the Great Stalin, 1938
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