Ruïne van de kerk te Bakendorp, Borsele 1754

Hendrik Spilman made this etching of the Ruïne van de kerk te Bakendorp, Borsele, in 1743. It shows the remains of a church in a rural setting, with cows grazing and figures standing nearby. Made in the Netherlands, this image speaks to the complex relationship between religion, landscape, and social change. The ruin is a potent symbol of past conflicts and shifts in religious power. It invites reflection on the impact of historical events on the physical and social landscape. Spilman's choice to depict the ruin within a pastoral scene is important. It may reflect contemporary attitudes towards history and nature. It is a reminder of the way religious institutions were intertwined with the social and economic life of Dutch communities. The Rijksmuseum's collection can help you to see this image in the context of Dutch history and the institutions of the time.