Ruïnes van de Sint-Baafsabdij te Gent 1852 - 1878

François Stroobant's print shows the ruins of Saint Bavo's Abbey in Ghent. Made sometime in the 19th century, this image participates in a broader European fascination with ruins, remnants of past times that evoke feelings of nostalgia and reflection on history. Churches and abbeys, particularly those in a state of disrepair, became popular subjects in art and literature during the Romantic era. Stroobant's choice to depict the ruins of an abbey taps into the cultural and political context of 19th-century Belgium. The abbey was originally founded in the 7th century but had been dissolved during the French Revolution. The scene suggests that its destruction was a result of revolutionary fervor against religious institutions. The art historian studies the social and institutional context to enrich our understanding of art. By examining historical archives, and engaging with the cultural and political history of 19th-century Belgium, we can gain insights into the motivations and meanings behind works like Stroobant's print.