Ruïne van de Laurenskerk te Rotterdam, gezien vanaf de galerij c. 1940 - 1945

J. Nolte made this photograph of the Ruin of the Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, seen from the gallery. It’s an intimate scene; the perspective gives the impression we are there with the photographer, looking down from above. I wonder what it was like to stand in that space at that moment in time. The way the light streams in through the broken windows creates an ethereal atmosphere, but also speaks to the destruction. And there are people down below, tiny in the distance. It’s a reminder that the church wasn't just a building, but a place of community. This image reminds me of the work of other photographers who have captured moments of ruin and resilience, like those of war photographers. Nolte has preserved a moment in time, inviting us to reflect on the passage of history and the traces it leaves behind. Ultimately, it's about seeing, feeling, and preserving a moment. And then sharing it.