Interior of Sint Gertrudiskerk in Bergen op Zoom 1655

Gerard Houckgeest made this painting of the Sint Gertrudiskerk in Bergen op Zoom using oil on canvas. The artist was highly skilled in the manipulation of oil paint, using glazes to build up depth and luminosity. The smooth, almost porcelain-like surfaces of the columns and arches were achieved through layering and blending. This stands in contrast to the rougher, more textured treatment of the wooden structures within the church, like the choir screen and pulpit. The eye is drawn to the play of light across these surfaces; light that streams in through the high windows, casting long shadows and illuminating the details of the architecture. This creates a sense of depth and space. Houckgeest, through his mastery of the medium, captures the essence of this religious space, making the invisible visible. We are invited to contemplate not only the church's physical structure but also the spiritual and cultural significance it holds. In his art, Houckgeest elevates the status of painting, demonstrating its ability to rival architecture in its grandeur.