Interior of a Protestant, Gothic Church during a Service

Emanuel de Witte

1669

oil on panel

Rijksmuseum

Emanuel de Witte composed this church interior from parts of various existing churches, emphasizing perspective and the effects of light and shadow. However much it might seem as if Emanuel de Witte attended this church service, the painter did not depict reality. In fact, he composed this church interior from parts of various existing churches. The nave, for instance, is based on that of the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam. The emphasis is on perspective and the effects of light and shadow. Thus he was able to create a convincing image.