Koorbank van eikenhout in de Sint-Katharinakerk in Hoogstraten, België before 1887

Here, we see a photograph of an oak choir stall, located in Sint-Katharinakerk in Hoogstraten, Belgium. The photograph captures the intricate details of the wood carving. The symmetry in the structure of the panels, adorned with gothic tracery, is striking. The use of oak, with its natural grain and texture, adds depth to the piece. The composition invites the viewer to explore the detailed narrative carved into the structure. The choir stall’s design is a study in semiotics, where each element, from the arches to the figures, functions as a sign within the religious context. The artist’s decision to use oak is not merely functional; the wood itself carries cultural weight, symbolizing strength and endurance, qualities aligned with religious virtues. The choir stall destabilizes the concept of mere functionality. It transcends its use as seating, becoming an elaborate sculptural installation. It serves as a reminder that art exists within, and comments on, a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.