Koorhek van de Sint-Bavokerk te Haarlem 1866 - 1868

Isaac Gosschalk made this pencil drawing of the choir screen in St. Bavo Church in Haarlem, likely sometime in the late 19th century. The drawing itself, a study of architectural detail, could be considered within the context of 19th-century Dutch art and its institutional settings, such as architectural schools and historical preservation societies. Gosschalk's sketch is more than a mere representation, it is a cultural artifact reflecting the social values placed on historical architecture during his time. The Netherlands in the 19th century experienced a rise in national consciousness, with an increased interest in preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage. Churches, like St. Bavo, were potent symbols of national identity. Architectural drawings like this one served not only as documentation but also as a form of cultural advocacy. The attention to detail and the act of sketching itself highlight a reverence for the past. By studying such drawings, alongside historical records and architectural treatises, we can gain insights into the social and cultural values of the time and the role of institutions in shaping those values.