Hek in de Grote Kerk te Vianen c. 1890 - 1920

This is a photograph of the screen in the Grote Kerk in Vianen, made by an anonymous artist, though attributed to Monumentenzorg. It’s not just a record; it’s a study in light and form, where the artist seems to be sussing out the potential of photography itself. The sepia tones and sharp focus give it a tactile quality. You can almost feel the grain of the wood and the cool touch of the stone. I am drawn to the rhythm of the balusters and how the light falls across the empty pews, highlighting every detail. Each book, angled and slightly askew, contributes to a narrative of silent occupation. Thinking about the process, I'm reminded of Bernd and Hilla Becher’s photographic typologies. Like them, this artist sees beauty in the functional, finding a quiet poetry in repetition and detail. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that seeing is a way of thinking, and art, in any form, is about how we make sense of the world around us.