Ceiling and mural paintings play an essential role in the creation of baroque interiors. Unlike other forms of visual art, these unique three-dimensional mediums define early modern architecture from above, employing vibrant and intricate iconographic programs. Whether found in religious or secular settings, in grand palaces, ceremonial halls, churches, monasteries, opulent staircases, or libraries, baroque murals on walls and ceilings exhibit a remarkable range of diversity and artistic innovation spanning from the mid-16th to the late 18th century.
Analysis and Documentation
The Corpus of Baroque Ceiling Painting in Germany (CbDD) is a research project dedicated to studying the ornamental artwork found on walls and ceilings in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, specifically created between 1550 and 1800.
A groundbreaking initiative has undertaken the comprehensive documentation, analysis, and presentation of a corpus of over 4000 monuments. This collection encompasses preserved, destroyed, and restored examples.
The project offers a multi-faceted exploration of these monuments, combining texts with both new and historical photographs and drawings. It delves into their art historical, architectural, and historical contexts, shedding light on their significance and influences.
This wealth of information is made accessible through an innovative online database, powered by cutting-edge digital technology.
Project Outlines
Detailed project outlines have been published in:
Funding and Cooperations
The Corpus of Baroque Ceiling Painting in Germany (CbDD) is a research project in the Academies Program of the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities (Union der Deutschen Akademien der Wissenschaften). It makes an essential contribution to the documentation, preservation, and visualization of our cultural heritage and is supervised by the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften) in Munich.
Led by Prof. Dr. Stephan Hoppe, two research teams collaborate on this endeavor. One team operates at the Institut für Kunstgeschichte of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, while the other team is based at the Deutsches Dokumentationszentrum für Kunstgeschichte – Bildarchiv Foto Marburg of Philipps-Universität in Marburg. This collaboration ensures comprehensive research and ensures high-quality photographic reproduction of the artworks.
The project was approved in October 2014 and officially commenced on April 1, 2015. The research project is expected to span 25 years.
