Denominations on glass

In the early modern era, Kaufbeuren was a bi-denominational imperial town. Ongoing conflicts between the Catholic and Protestant inhabitants dominated the atmosphere in the town. From the mid-18th century, reverse glass painting featuring Protestant motifs emerged against this background. Around 145 examples of this artform are known to date.

It wasn't always easy for the two denominations to live together in the town. In particular, the fact the two religious communities initially had to share the parish church of St. Martin did not make getting along any easier.

Back in 1530, the Confessio Augustana, or Augsburg Confession, was recorded in writing in Augsburg and presented to the Emperor. Although other reformatory streams, such as the Baptists in Kaufbeuren, had already attracted followers from around 1525, Protestantism did not take root here until 1545. By acknowledging the Protestant denomination, Kaufbeuren became bi-denominational—in other words, there were two official denominations in the town.

The Protestants didn't gain their own meeting space until 1604. The building in which Emperor Maximilian had once stayed while visiting the town was converted into the Protestant church of the Holy Trinity. The bell tower was not added until 1820.

There were no professional reverse glass painters in Kaufbeuren—unlike in Augsburg, for example. The Kaufbeuren reverse glass painters mainly worked in low-paid jobs, such as weaving or woodblock-cutting for canvas printing. Members of the town watch or teachers were also involved. Many artistically-talented Kaubeuren residents tried to increase their meagre income by painting reverse glass pictures.