Gedeelte van de Grote of Schildkerk te Rijssen 1899

This photograph captures a section of the Grote or Schildkerk in Rijssen, revealing the architecture during a moment of repair. The scaffolding that obscures the church is more than just support; it echoes the sacred geometry inherent in the church’s design. Consider the pointed arches of the windows, reaching upwards. These arches are visual descendants of the ogee arches found in Gothic cathedrals—a reaching towards the heavens. The symbolism extends beyond mere aesthetics; it represents a reaching for the divine, a concept that has evolved from ancient Roman triumphal arches signifying power and victory. Here, the church serves as a vessel of collective memory. The image captures a powerful psychological state – a moment of transition. We're drawn into its symbolic architecture, a narrative of faith, and transformation. It becomes a powerful visual representation of historical continuity, inviting us to reflect on the enduring human quest for meaning.