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Inquisitions altar stone. 17th century. Spain
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Inquisitions altar stone. 17th century. Spain
Inquisitions altar stone with an engraving depicting a crosshair. 17th century. Found in Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha. Museum of Cuenca. Spain
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Media ID 14328220
© Thaliastock / Mary Evans
Altar Castile Castile La Cuenca Incised Incision Inquisition Mancha Sculpted
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1. Title: "The Inquisition's Mark: A 17th Century Altar Stone from Cuenca, Spain" This evocative 17th century altar stone, now housed in the Museum of Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha, Spain, bears a haunting reminder of the Inquisition's grip on the region's past. The stone's surface is adorned with an intricately incised crosshair, a symbol synonymous with the Spanish Inquisition's investigative procedures. The Inquisition, an ecclesiastical tribunal established in 1478, aimed to root out heresy and maintain orthodoxy within the Catholic Church. Its influence extended far beyond the church walls, reaching into the very fabric of Spanish society. The crosshair symbol, often used as a mark of investigation, became a chilling reminder of the Inquisition's power and reach. This altar stone, discovered in Cuenca, is a poignant testament to the era's religious fervor and the omnipresent fear of heresy. The intricately sculpted crosshair, incised into the stone with remarkable detail, stands out against the worn, aged surface. The modern viewer is struck by the contrast between the stone's ancient, weathered exterior and the crisp, incised lines of the crosshair. The altar stone's interior reveals further details, with incised relief decorations surrounding the crosshair. These intricate designs, while not as immediately recognizable as the crosshair, add to the overall allure and historical significance of the object. As a historical artifact, this altar stone offers a glimpse into the religious and social climate of 17th century Spain. It serves as a reminder of the Inquisition's far-reaching influence and the profound impact it had on the lives of those who lived during that time. The Museum of Cuenca preserves this important piece of history, allowing future generations to learn from and reflect upon the complex and often controversial legacy of the Spanish Inquisition.
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