Gezicht op de Hervormde Kerk te Westmaas c. 1890 - 1920

This photograph of the Hervormde Kerk in Westmaas was created by an anonymous photographer from Monumentenzorg. The photo, which is sepia-toned, seems to be holding its breath, not quite willing to show itself. Look closely and you can see that the church almost disappears into the overcast sky. The rough texture of the roof contrasts with the smooth walls, making the church feel solid yet yielding. The windows, like dark eyes, have a strange power over the image, and the building seems to be looking back at us as we look at it. The marks of the photographer are very faint, and like an Agnes Martin painting, it is as if they're trying to disappear altogether. The sepia is reminiscent of Camille Corot, with the building as a blurry ruin. The photo invites us to question how much we can ever truly capture a place.