Gezicht op het kapucijnenklooster te Tervuren 1605 - 1673

Lucas van Uden created this print of the Capuchin monastery in Tervuren in the 17th century, using etching techniques. We see here the way the institution of the Catholic church has shaped the landscape of the Spanish Netherlands. The image invites reflection on the social role of religious institutions in the 1600s. Notice the monks in the foreground, seemingly engaged in conversation, perhaps a commentary on the church's interactions with the wider community. The print subtly presents the monastery as part of the natural landscape. This can be interpreted as an indication of the pervasive influence of the church in everyday life during this period. To understand more about the history of the building shown here, we might consult local archives, church records, and maps. Each one of these sources offers unique information about the role of religion and institutions in shaping the cultural landscape.