Gezicht op het klooster van Sint-Josef in Muotathal 1889 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this etching of the Sint-Josef monastery in Muotathal. The late 19th century was a time of great change and questioning of traditional institutions, including the church. Here, the monastery is nestled within the landscape; this location was not by accident as monasteries are built to be separate from everyday life. This etching depicts the monastery as a refuge, a concept that might resonate differently depending on one's position in society. For some, it symbolizes spiritual solace and community, but it may also represent exclusion and a retreat from the social issues of the time. Consider how the artist's choice to depict the monastery in this way reflects the complex relationship between religion, society, and individual experience. The artist encourages us to consider the different experiences of the monastery by different people.