Details van deuren in de Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem en Sint-Michaëlskerk in Zwolle 1876

This print shows architectural details of doors in the Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem and Sint-Michaëlskerk in Zwolle, made by an anonymous artist in an unknown year. It's a fascinating glimpse into how the Dutch state approached the preservation of its cultural heritage. The print, titled "Details of Doors," meticulously documents the design elements of these religious structures, revealing not just architectural styles but also the values placed on historical preservation. Created under the auspices of the "Rijksadviseurs van de Monumenten van Geschiedenis en Kunst" or National Advisors of the Monuments of History and Art, the artwork reflects the institutional apparatus that was developing around the care of historical objects. We can interpret it as a deliberate effort to catalog and share knowledge about these buildings, which in turn shows the increasing public role of art and architecture, as well as the growing importance of state institutions in defining what should be preserved, and why. By studying similar documents, architectural plans, and the archives of preservation societies, we gain a deeper appreciation for the social and institutional context that shaped its creation and reception.