Gezicht op de Waalse kerk in Rotterdam Possibly 1786 - 1825

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this print, “View of the Walloon Church in Rotterdam,” using etching and engraving techniques. Imagine the late 18th century in Rotterdam, a city of trade and cultural exchange. Bendorp, born into this world, gives us a glimpse into the daily life around the Walloon Church. This church was a place of worship for French-speaking Protestants. The print captures a bustling scene: people from various walks of life, dressed in the fashion of the time, populate the square. There are merchants, families, and individuals going about their business. The architecture reflects a blend of Dutch and French influences, mirroring the community's identity. Notice how Bendorp pays attention to the details of everyday life. The way people are dressed, the interactions between them, and the presence of animals all contribute to the narrative of this urban space. It invites us to reflect on the stories of those who lived and moved through this space, and the ways in which their identities were shaped by their environment.