Gezicht op het orgel in een kerkinterieur, mogelijk van de Oude Kerk in Delft 1827 - 1891

Johannes Bosboom made this graphite sketch of an organ in a church, possibly in Delft, sometime in the 19th century. Bosboom specialized in church interiors, and this sketch gives us a glimpse into the social role of the church in the Netherlands at that time. The church was a central institution in Dutch society, and the organ was an important part of its religious services. The architecture of the church, with its high ceilings and stained glass windows, was designed to inspire awe and reverence. Bosboom's sketch captures this sense of grandeur. You can also note, even in this preliminary study, the attention that Bosboom gave to the play of light. As art historians, we can use sources, such as church records and architectural plans, to learn more about the historical context of this image. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural role of the church in 19th-century Netherlands, and the importance of art in reflecting and shaping that role.