The Nave and Choir of the Mariakerk in Utrecht

Pieter Jansz Saenredam (signed by artist), Pieter Jansz. Saenredam (signed by artist), Pieter Jansz. Saenredam (signed by artist), Pieter Jansz Saenredam (signed by artist), 1641-01-29

In the young Dutch Republic only Reformed Protestant services were still held in the former Catholic churches. Statues and paintings of saints were prohibited. The 11th-century Mariakerk preserved the decorations of the piers, which Saenredam here rendered in great detail – even applying gold leaf. At the left visitors look at an image of a bull on one of the piers: according to legend, this column continued to sink during construction until it was grounded on a bull’s hide.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-851
  • Dimensionssupport: height 121.5 cm x width 95 cm, outer size: depth 7.3 cm (support incl. frame)
  • Physical characteristicsoil on panel