Gezicht op de Sint Urbanuskerk te Bovenkerk met op het water een zeilscheepje 1887

Elias Stark created this etching of the Sint Urbanuskerk in Bovenkerk, capturing a serene waterside scene. Stark, born in the mid-19th century, lived through a time of immense social change, which saw the rise of industrialization and urbanization juxtaposed against the backdrop of traditional rural life. Here, the church, a symbol of enduring faith, is softened by its reflection on the water, creating a dialogue between the steadfast and the ephemeral. The small sailboat suggests a sense of personal journey, a reaching out towards the horizon. Stark’s choice to focus on this intimate, human-scaled moment alongside the imposing architecture invites reflection on individual experiences within larger societal structures. This piece captures a quiet moment of contemplation; the kind of moment that allows us to reflect on our place within the world. The artwork, made during a period of transition, resonates with a longing for peace and a connection to something greater than oneself.