Interieur van de Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem 1858

Johann Gabriel Friedrich Poppel created this print of the Interior of St. Bavo Church in Haarlem sometime in the 19th century. During this period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant transformations, grappling with its colonial past and redefining its national identity. Poppel's print captures the grandeur of St. Bavo Church. The architecture emphasizes verticality, perhaps mirroring the rigid social hierarchies of the time, and the church stands as a silent witness to centuries of shifting power dynamics, from religious conflicts to the rise of merchant capitalism. As we observe the figures within this space, consider how their presence—or absence—contributes to the narrative of belonging and exclusion. The church itself is a symbol of spiritual authority and community, and Poppel uses the print medium to engage with questions of visibility, representation, and the enduring legacy of cultural institutions.