Spiritual Labyrinth

Artist/Maker
Henkel, Solomon
Place Made
New Market Virginia United States of America
Date Made
1808
Medium
ink –paper
Dimensions
HOA: 14 3/4″; WOA: 13 1/8
HOA: 23 1/2″; WOA: 21 1/2″ (Framed)
Accession Number
5550.2
Description
The Henkel Press was founded in 1806 by Ambrose Henkel (1786-1870) and his brother Solomon Henkel (1777-1847). The press is best known for publishing German-language religious literature throughout the nineteenth century. This “spiritual labyrinth” consists of bible verses arranged in a geometric pattern around four quadrants. Produced just two-years after the press was founded, it was probably intended as a demonstration of their abilities. Labyrinths like this are known from other German-speaking communities along the Great Wagon Road. They are generally regarded as tour-de-force of the typesetters’ craft.

MESDA has a large collection of Henkel Press material (acc 5550). Among this material are woodblocks, books, prints, and manuscript material. MESDA also has a New Market fancy-painted chair owned by press co-founder Solomon Henkel (acc. 5838)

DESCRIPTION: Rough edged paper with printed text in German. There is a large title heading followed by a paragraph. Below this, words go around in a large square with four smaller squares inside. The text is surrounded by a border design.

History
Illustrations
Artist Biography
LABEL NOTES: Solomon Henkel (1777-1847) established himself as pharmacist in New Market, V.A. in 1798. Solomon, his father Paul, and two of his brothers, Ambrose and Andrew founded New Market Press on September 20, 1806. Ambrose Henkel (1786-1870) received printing training from J.P. Starck and Daniel P. Lange in Hanover, Pa. He was a printer until 1824 when he entered the Lutheran ministry in 1823. Only 3 German children’s books were printed in New Market after 1823 and 2 of these were produced by a new generation of Henkels. The last New Market imprint was in 1854.
Credit Line
Purchase