Koorhek in de Nieuwe Kerk te Amsterdam 1911

This photograph captures the rood screen in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, likely taken in the early 20th century. The photographer is listed as anonymous, representing the Monumentenzorg, the Dutch agency for the care of monuments. The rood screen itself is an architectural feature with a complex history. Originally, it served to divide the space between the clergy and the laity, reflecting social hierarchies and controlling access to the sacred rituals within the church. These screens were often ornate, acting as a visual barrier and reinforcing the power of the church. This image reminds us that architectural spaces are never neutral. The rood screen embodies complex relationships of power, faith, and social order. While it may now appear as a historical artifact, it once played an active role in shaping the religious and social experience of those who moved through this space.