Bergkerk te Deventer 1710 - 1736

Editor: So, here we have Joost van Sassen’s “Bergkerk te Deventer,” an engraving that he worked on sometime between 1710 and 1736. It’s so precise, but also… kind of austere, would you agree? What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: Austere, perhaps... or maybe meticulously reverent? This isn't just a depiction, it’s almost an act of architectural devotion. You see, engravings of this era—often commissioned by cities or the church itself—were less about capturing a vibe and more about documenting, showcasing. I see in the almost obsessive detail not just pride, but a claim to permanence. Does that resonate with you, the idea of preserving something monumental? Editor: Absolutely, it’s like they’re freezing a moment in time. The city fathers are saying, "Look what we've built! Look how important we are!" But what about the… artist’s touch? Or is that beside the point? Curator: An excellent question! Sassen *is* there, but subtly. Note how he treats the light—not realistically, but strategically, highlighting certain architectural features, downplaying others. He isn’t a photographer striving for verisimilitude. Rather, it’s more like he's a persuasive architect of the image itself. He's selling an idea, not just a building, what do you think? Editor: I see what you mean! So it’s both documentation and promotion in one neat package. I guess I came in with the expectation that an artist always leaves a big stamp. It is interesting how he has done it by highlighting key architectural features of the church! Curator: Exactly! We look for individuality but also see artistry in the purpose behind the presentation. Always ask "why". That's what breathes life into art!