Gezicht op de Grote of Schildkerk te Rijssen 1899

This photograph captures the Grote of Schildkerk in Rijssen, during a period of restoration. While the photographer remains anonymous, the image speaks volumes about Dutch cultural heritage and the preservation of historical landmarks. The church, a central figure in community life, is here caught in a moment of transformation. Scaffolding obscures parts of the facade, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain the building's structural integrity. This process of restoration invites us to consider the intersections of labor, identity, and community. Who were the hands that built this church, and who are the ones preserving it? What does it mean to maintain this monumental building? This image invites reflection on the passage of time, and the ongoing negotiation between past and present. It touches on themes of collective memory, cultural identity, and the ever-evolving landscape we inhabit.