Portaal van de Sint Walburgiskerk te Zutphen before 1881

This print, portraying the portal of the Sint Walburgiskerk in Zutphen, offers a glimpse into the world of 16th-century architecture and craftsmanship. The image is built from precisely arranged lines, capturing the texture and weight of the stone construction. Each brick laid, each arch carved, speaks to the skilled labor that shaped the cathedral. The stone came from a quarry, was transported, cut, and placed, all by human effort. These processes, deeply rooted in the social and economic fabric of the time, reflect the medieval guild system, where knowledge and skill were passed down through generations. The architect or master builder would have been enmeshed in a network of laborers, each contributing to a collective vision. The church itself – a monumental, awe-inspiring achievement made possible by human hands. By focusing on materials and making, we gain insight into the world that brought it into being.