Kerkbanken 1827 - 1891

Johannes Bosboom made this drawing of church pews with pen in brown ink and brush in grey ink. Bosboom was known for his church interiors and architectural studies which capture the quiet solemnity of religious spaces. During the 19th century, the Dutch Reformed Church played a significant role in the social and political life of the Netherlands. Church pews weren't just seats; they were symbols of status. Families often owned or rented pews, and their location reflected their social standing. Bosboom seems to capture the weight of tradition and perhaps the subtle ways in which religious institutions upheld social hierarchies. The drawing is simple, but its quietness evokes the atmosphere of a church and invites reflection on the relationship between faith, community, and social structure.