Landschap met een kerktoren c. 1909s

Here we have Alexander Shilling's sketch "Landschap met een kerktoren," the kind of intimate encounter an artist has with a place. Born in Russia and later a naturalized American citizen, Shilling spent much of his career capturing the landscapes of Europe. In this double-page spread, the spire of the church becomes a focal point, a solemn silhouette against the landscape. It invites reflection on the role of religious institutions in shaping the identity of communities, both historically and in the present day. As you look, consider the emotional weight of the image. The rough lines and understated composition may evoke the feeling of nostalgia, or even a yearning for simpler times. Shilling’s landscape invites us to consider our own places within the fabric of history and identity.