Orgel van de Nieuwe Lutherse Kerk te Amsterdam 1721

Jan Caspar Philips created this print of the organ in Amsterdam’s New Lutheran Church sometime in the 18th century. At this time, Amsterdam was a hub of religious diversity and tolerance, yet social hierarchies remained deeply entrenched. This print offers us a glimpse into the spatial politics of religion and class. The organ, a symbol of musical and spiritual power, dominates the visual space and suggests a dialogue between the earthly and divine. Two angelic figures overlook the scene, reminding us of the pervasive influence of religious ideology on the human experience. The Lutheran church offered a space of communal worship, but also reflected the social stratification of the time, with designated seating areas likely reflecting class divisions. While the church provided solace and community, it also reinforced existing power structures, subtly shaping individual identities within its architectural and social confines.