Karl Barth's Desk at Pittsburgh Seminary

To help mark the dedication of the Clifford E. Barbour Library in 1964, Dr. Markus Barth, PTS faculty member from 1963-1972, gave the library some of its most cherished possessions. Dr. Barth, son of Dr. Karl Barth, the famous theologian, arranged to have his father’s desk and chair as well as other objects brought from Germany. The desk is made even more special because it is where Barth spent nearly 50 years writing his theological works. Included with this gift are an autographed copy of his Kirchliche Dogmatic I/1 and a reproduction of Matthias Grunewald’s painting The Crucifixion, which hung above Barth’s desk while he wrote his masterpiece. More information about the painting and Barth’s connection to it can be found in the copies of the Panorama and the painting’s story located on the desk. The desk is presently on display in Barbour Library.

 

 

To help mark the dedication of the Clifford E. Barbour Library in 1964, Dr. Markus Barth, PTS faculty member from 1963-1972, gave the library some of its most cherished possessions. Dr. Barth, son of Dr. Karl Barth, the famous theologian, arranged to have his father’s desk and chair as well as other objects brought from Germany. The desk is made even more special because it is where Barth spent nearly 50 years writing his theological works. Included with this gift are an autographed copy of his Kirchliche Dogmatic I/1 and a reproduction of Matthias Grunewald’s painting The Crucifixion, which hung above Barth’s desk while he wrote his masterpiece. More information about the painting and Barth’s connection to it can be found in the copies of the Panorama and the painting’s story located on the desk. The desk is presently on display in Barbour Library.

 

 

Karl Barth's desk at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary