Koorhek in de Grote of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk te Dordrecht before 1889

This image depicts a rood screen made of oak, located in the Grote of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Dordrecht. The screen is remarkable for its fine execution and attention to detail, evident in the carving of the wood. Oak, as a material, is strong and durable, making it a popular choice for constructing architectural elements that must withstand time and use. The crafting of the screen would have involved a number of skilled workers, from those who felled and seasoned the timber, to the carvers who shaped and decorated it. Its construction required not only technical proficiency but also an understanding of architectural principles. The rood screen served as a physical and symbolic barrier between the nave and the chancel, separating the space for the clergy from that of the laity. This reflects the hierarchical structure of the church, and by extension, society. Considering the labor involved in its making and its function within the church, the rood screen embodies both artistic skill and social significance. It challenges the traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.