Landgrave Carl of Hesse-Kassel as a Patron of the Arts

 

Landgrave Carl of Hesse-Kassel as a Patron of the Arts

“Landgrave Carl of Hesse-Kassel as a Patron of the Arts”, published in the Journal of Glass Studies (Vol. 38, 1996, pp. 17–20), examines the role of Landgrave Carl of Hesse-Kassel in supporting and commissioning the arts during his reign, with a particular focus on Baroque glass engraving. The article, part of the volume on Franz Gondelach’s work in Hesse, highlights how Carl’s patronage fostered artistic innovation, facilitated workshops, and encouraged the production of decorative and functional glassworks. By analyzing surviving pieces, commissions, and contemporary accounts, the study illustrates the intersection of political authority, taste, and cultural development, showing how a regional ruler could influence artistic trends and craftsmanship in 18th-century Hesse.