Interieur van de Nieuwe Kerk van Amsterdam 1680 - 1731

Jan Goeree made this print of the Interior of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam sometime between 1670 and 1731. It offers us a glimpse into the social dynamics of the Dutch Golden Age. The image captures the stark architectural grandeur of the church, a space meant to inspire awe. Yet, the presence of people engaged in what seems like everyday activities invites us to consider the intersection of the sacred and the secular. The figures populating the church are predominantly men, dressed in the fashion of the time, suggesting a certain class and social standing. How might women, people of color, or the lower classes have experienced this space differently? What stories are absent from this representation? The print offers a view of the social hierarchy inherent in 17th-century Dutch society. Ultimately, Goeree’s print serves not only as a historical record, but as a reminder of the stories that are often left untold in the grand narratives of history.