Kerk in aanbouw 1870 - 1914

Willem Bastiaan Tholen made this etching of a church under construction using ink on paper. The stark lines of the etching beautifully capture the scene of labor and progress. Notice how Tholen used the etching technique to emphasize the contrast between light and shadow, giving the image a sense of depth. The scaffolding, a crucial element of the construction, is meticulously rendered, highlighting the intricate network of wooden beams that supports the building's evolution. This focus on scaffolding prompts us to think about the labor involved in constructing the church. The image serves as a reminder of the human effort required to create such structures, drawing attention to the intersection of architecture, labor, and the social context of building. It invites us to appreciate the beauty not just in the finished form, but also in the process of making. By focusing on the church’s construction, Tholen blurs the line between fine art and the everyday craftsmanship that shapes our world.