Kapel in Babyloniënbroek, 1809 1809

Cornelis van Hardenbergh created this pencil drawing titled "Kapel in Babyloniënbroek" in 1809. During this period, the Netherlands was under French rule, deeply influencing Dutch society and culture. Artists like Van Hardenbergh navigated these shifting political landscapes, often expressing national identity and cultural heritage through their art. Here, we see two sketches of a chapel: one capturing its interior, the other its exterior. In the interior scene, two figures stand amidst the chapel's bare structure, perhaps symbolizing the endurance of faith and community during times of upheaval. Van Hardenbergh's choice to depict the chapel in such a state of simplicity and rawness can evoke a sense of introspection. The artwork invites us to reflect on the intersection of personal spirituality and collective identity in a world undergoing significant transformation. It reminds us that even in the face of political change, cultural roots and individual beliefs often remain a source of continuity and strength.