Dorpsgezicht met kerk te Ter Heijde 1731

Abraham de Haen made this watercolor drawing of a village scene with a church in Ter Heijde, Netherlands, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. At this time, Dutch society was highly stratified, with a powerful merchant class and a strong emphasis on civic duty. This drawing reflects these values in its depiction of a well-ordered community centered around the church. The church itself is a prominent feature, suggesting the importance of religion in daily life. The presence of a horse-drawn cart indicates the importance of trade and commerce in the village. Historical research into the archives of Ter Heijde might reveal information about the social and economic life of the village, as well as the role of the church in the community.