Sloter Kerck c. 17th century

Editor: This is "Sloter Kerck," an etching by Geertruydt Roghman. The stark contrast between the ruined structure and the functional church creates such a strong visual dichotomy. What do you see in this piece beyond just the architectural depiction? Curator: This work makes me consider the role of women artists in the 17th century, often relegated to landscapes and genre scenes, but still subtly commenting on larger societal shifts through those very subjects. Editor: Shifts? Like what? Curator: Well, think about it. What does it mean to show a ruined church alongside a functioning one, especially in a time of religious and political upheaval in the Netherlands? Roghman is engaging with ideas of power, decay, and the resilience of faith. The choice to depict the church from a low vantage point might symbolize solidarity with ordinary people, perhaps those most impacted by these historical tensions. What do you think? Editor: That gives me a completely new way to look at her piece. It's not just a landscape.