Kerkenbouw, 8e eeuw 1857 - 1864

This anonymous 8th-century drawing, rendered in pen and ink, offers a glimpse into the laborious process of constructing a church. Note how the artist meticulously depicts each figure engaged in their specific tasks, from carrying stones to hammering supports. The material of the drawing itself, humble pen on paper, contrasts starkly with the monumental nature of the building it portrays. Consider the sheer physical effort involved in such a project, evident in the straining bodies of the workers. The drawing reduces it to simple lines, yet it speaks volumes about the social context of the time. The process is imbued with cultural significance. Building a church was not merely a construction project; it was an act of devotion, a testament to faith made possible through the labour of many hands. The drawing blurs the lines between the fine arts and the craft of building, offering a valuable insight into the material culture of the 8th century.