Kirken i Sloten 1625 - 1657

This is Geertruyt Roghman's etching of Kirken in Sloten, made sometime in the mid-17th century. Roghman, a Dutch Golden Age engraver, came from a family of artists, but unlike her brothers, she never achieved widespread recognition. In this print, Roghman depicts both the ruins of an old church and a newer one. The contrast between the decaying structure and the functioning church raises questions about the changing religious landscape in the Netherlands, and the shifting cultural values during this period of rebuilding and reformation. Two figures are seated in the foreground, but instead of looking towards the church, their gaze is directed elsewhere, perhaps symbolizing the societal changes. Through her detailed work, Roghman quietly captures a sense of transition, inviting us to reflect on themes of decay, renewal, and the silent shifts in human focus that accompany them.