Interieur van de Rooms Katholieke schuilkerk de Paauw in de Keizerstraat te Amsterdam 1770

Caspar Jacobsz. Philips created this print of the interior of the Roman Catholic hidden church de Paauw in Amsterdam. The linear perspective draws our eye toward the altar, emphasizing the height and depth of the space. Notice how the composition uses the architectural elements to create a sense of balance between the left and right sides of the print. The strong vertical lines of the columns contrast with the horizontal lines of the pews and balconies, creating a sense of order. The light filtering through the windows animates the scene, contrasting with the somber subject matter. Philips uses hatching and cross-hatching to define forms and create tonal variation. This allows the architectural details to emerge from the shadows and light, enhancing the print's overall texture and depth. The detailed depiction of the church's interior can be seen as a way to assert the presence and importance of the Catholic community in a time of religious suppression. This print thus invites us to reflect on the hidden meanings of the artwork.