Noordzijde van de Hervormde Kerk te Cadzand 1893

This photograph, "Noordzijde van de Hervormde Kerk te Cadzand," was created by an anonymous artist working with Monumentenzorg. It offers a glimpse into the architectural preservation efforts focused on the Reformed Church in Cadzand. The church, as a central feature of the community, reflects the religious and social structures of its time. Monumentenzorg's work, literally translated as 'care of monuments', demonstrates a commitment to preserving cultural heritage, a practice which is not without its biases. What is preserved and how? These decisions reflect the values of those in power. Consider what it means to document and preserve a religious structure, and whose stories are prioritized in this act of conservation. The act of photographing, then archiving the photograph, immortalizes the image. It prompts us to question how our cultural heritage shapes our understanding of community and identity.