Gezicht op de Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk te Rotterdam 1835

Huib van Hove Bzn created this lithograph of the Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk in Rotterdam. Although undated, the piece offers a window into 19th-century Dutch society and the role of architecture in shaping civic identity. The Grote Kerk, prominently featured, was not just a religious building but a symbol of Rotterdam's historical importance and cultural pride. In the 1800s, art often served to reinforce national identity and communal values, especially after periods of political upheaval. Van Hove's choice to depict this iconic structure suggests an intention to connect viewers with their heritage. Notice the people and boats populating the foreground? They depict a bustling, diverse community. The lithograph doesn't shy away from showing everyday life, which might include class differences and social interactions of the time. While seemingly a straightforward cityscape, this lithograph invites us to consider how art captures and shapes our understanding of community, memory, and place.