Description

Having been stripped of their images and whitewashed by Protestant reformers in the 16th century, the Dutch Republic’s large Gothic churches offered a compelling subject for artists. Emanuel de Witte was one of a small group of painters who specialized in explorations of the light, shade, and volume particular to church interiors. In this painting, executed late in the artist’s career, the organ and genealogical panels honoring the dead (suspended from the ceiling and affixed to the columns) are the only decoration.

Provenance

Gebruder Douwes, Amsterdam [according to Manke 1963]. Karl Haberstock, Berlin [according to email of July 15, 2002 from Lynda McLoed, Christie’s, Haberstock was the consignor of lot 71 at the sale cited below]; sold, Christie’s London, 12 July 1935, lot. 71 for 126 pounds to Charles Duits [see email cited above; though no Christie’s stencil (which would be 137 GC), is now visible, the identity of the picture with lot 71, suspected by Manke 1963, is confirmed by the Duits stockcard at the Getty Research Institute Library, email of July 12, 2002 from Mark Henderson]; sold by W. E. Duits Ltd. to Charles Worcester, Chicago, 1 October 1935 [Duits stockcard cited above]; given to the Art Institute, 1941.