Gezicht op de Hervormde Kerk te Dussen 1908

This is a photograph of the Reformed Church in Dussen, taken in October 1900 by an anonymous photographer from Monumentenzorg, the Dutch heritage agency. The photograph captures the church during a period of renovation, surrounded by scaffolding which hints at the ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain this religious building. Churches, particularly those of the Dutch Reformed tradition, hold a complex position in Dutch society. Historically, they were central to community life, but they also represent a sometimes oppressive religious authority. The image invites us to reflect on the dual nature of such institutions: are they sources of comfort and community, or symbols of exclusion and power? The choice to document the church during its restoration phase adds a layer of interpretation, perhaps suggesting a renewal of faith or a community's evolving relationship with its religious past. This image resonates with questions of cultural heritage, religious identity, and the ways in which we negotiate our histories through the preservation of architectural landmarks.