Toren van de Sint-Cunerakerk te Rhenen 1878

Willem Witsen made this sketch of the tower of the Sint-Cunera Church in Rhenen, likely around the turn of the century, with graphite on paper. The Sint-Cunera Church and its tower weren't just any old building; they were monuments to a medieval saint and points of pride for the local community. Witsen, deeply involved in the art scene of his time, captures the building's physical form, but the sketch also embodies a connection to Dutch history and cultural identity. Looking at this sketch, we might ask how the church, as a religious and historical institution, shaped the social life of Rhenen. We can investigate further by exploring local archives and historical documents to better understand the relationship between the church, the community, and artists like Witsen. This brings us closer to understanding how art reflects and shapes our collective memory.