The Grote Kerk Church in Naarden has a wooden barrel vault measuring 700 square metres. It was painted during the 16th century to depict the suffering of Christ. The paintings constitute an important heritage: such artworks are very rare in Europe, particularly from this period. Dioraphte’s contribution will now represent the start of a major restoration.
The most important ‘collection piece’ in the Grote Kerk Naarden is the barrel vault painted in 1518. These paintings recount the Passion of Christ and are a fascinating temporal document of late medieval life. At the time, the paintings were financed through guilds, governments and private individuals. Several depicted coats of arms – including the one belonging to Charles V, Lord of the Netherlands at the time – are a reminder of this. They are patronage logos avant la lettre.
An exceptional work of art
The five-century-old paintings on the barrel vault in Naarden’s Grote Kerk are unparalleled in their condition. Each and every panel has been preserved, which is extraordinary in the Netherlands. In artistic, historical and social terms, the barrel vault is a record of time from the early 16th century. At its north end, standing 25 metres above the nave and choir, it depicts the Passion of Christ from the New Testament. Facing this, it features similar events from the Old Testament. This all comes together in the depiction of the Last Judgement. During the Middle Ages, the Old Testament was considered to be the precursor to the New Testament. These comparisons help to gain a better understanding of the biblical message.
In urgent need of restoration
In 2021, the findings of a condition survey confirmed that the paintings were in urgent need of restoration. Restorations of this kind, particularly in view of their scale, tend to be very labour-intensive and therefore costly. Nonetheless, a thorough preliminary study – which included a sample restoration – concluded that the project would be feasible. The restoration project will begin in the autumn of 2024 and will last for over two and a half years. Consolidating the paint, restoring cracks and splintering, reducing white stains and cleaning the vault; all of this will mean that the paintings will once again be preserved for many decades to come.
Preservation as a heritage site
The Grote Kerk Naarden Foundation is making efforts to preserve the building as a meeting place for both culture and society. This is in line with its ambitions to be open year-round as a heritage institution by the end of 2024, offering its own interactive presentation. During restoration, audience activities will allow at least 30,000 visitors to discover the remarkable artwork in the barrel vault. Furthermore, restorers in training will be brought in to allow them the opportunity for professional development within the project. University researchers will also get a chance to study the barrel vault up close and thereby – hopefully – to decode some of its mysteries.
