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Friedrich Casimir's masterpiece: Christmas in Birnbach 400 years ago!
The Rottal-Inn commemorates Friedrich Casimir von Ortenburg and his 400-year-old painting of the parish church in Birnbach.
Friedrich Casimir's masterpiece: Christmas in Birnbach 400 years ago!
What a day! On December 24, 2025, it will be exactly 400 years since a remarkable painting by Friedrich Casimir von Ortenburg was created, which still fascinates viewers today. This work of art shows the idyllic parish village of Birnbach and the parish church of the Assumption of Mary on a tranquil winter night PNP reports that ....
Friedrich Casimir von Ortenburg was born on January 23, 1591 at Waldeck Castle near Tirschenreuth. He was the eldest son of Count Henry VII and Johannetta, Baroness of Winneberg and Beilstein. When he was only two years old, he was appointed as the main heir by Count Joachim, but never came to inherit his inheritance Wikipedia reports that ...).
Artistic ambitions and challenges
While his brothers fought in the Thirty Years' War, Casimir turned to art and science. His educational path took him to the University of Heidelberg, which was strongly influenced by the Calvinist faith. His artistic ambitions are particularly evident in the painting in question, which shows mounted nobles who are possibly on their way home after Christmas mass on Christmas Eve 1625 Wikipedia reports that ...).
The parish church shown in the painting has undergone several changes over the years. The Gothic tower, which can be seen in the picture, was renovated in 1675 after a fire and was badly damaged in 1706. Finally, the tower fell victim to a complete demolition in 1772; Today's classicist church was built in 1828 at a different location PNP reports that ....
The legacy of Friedrich Casimir
Friedrich Casimir not only left a lasting impression as an artist, but also as a ruler. In 1627 he was appointed Imperial Count of Ortenburg. Despite a lack of financial resources, he tried to regain the pledged county, but was only able to redeem the Alt-Ortenburg Castle Wikipedia reports that ...).
His reign was marked by numerous challenges, such as wars and plague epidemics. The plague was devastating in Ortenburg three times: 275 people died in 1634, 189 in 1648 and 206 again in 1649 Wikipedia reports that ...).
On March 2, 1658, Casimir died in Alt-Ortenburg Castle. His life's work, which was linked to artistic commitment and social ambitions, remains vividly remembered in the region and far beyond. The editorial team wishes you 400 years later: Merry, blessed and peaceful Christmas!