Gezicht op de Oostkerk te Middelburg 1652 - 1679

Pieter Hendricksz. Schut created this print of the Oostkerk in Middelburg. The monumental church dominates the scene, while a multitude of figures animate the foreground. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a melting pot of religious and political ideas. The construction of the Oostkerk reflected the city's growing religious diversity and tolerance. Built for the Protestant community it also became a symbol of Middelburg’s place in the burgeoning Dutch empire. As the Dutch East India Company flourished, cities like Middelburg became vital centers of commerce and cultural exchange. Look at the people populating the square, they hint at the social fabric of the city. Schut offers us a glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. The print invites us to consider the relationship between faith, community, and the ever-expanding world that defined the Dutch Golden Age.