Altaar met alziend oog 1781

This is an undated drawing of an altar with an all-seeing eye, made by an anonymous artist. The drawing depicts a multi-tiered altar, flanked by statues of women and candelabras. Altars like this were central to religious life, spaces of ritual and gathering. The prominent all-seeing eye suggests the presence and judgment of God. It raises questions about who is watching, who is being watched, and what behaviors are being policed. The fact that the artist is anonymous prompts reflection on the roles of individual expression and collective belief within religious practice. It invites you to consider the complex interplay between faith, power, and societal norms, as well as the anonymous individuals whose labor and devotion shaped religious culture.