Hooglandse Kerk in Leiden, seen through an open gate in the curtain wall of the Burcht van Leiden, after 1742

About the Work

This unusually large drawing grants us a view of the Late Gothic Hooglandse Kerk through the open gate of Leiden Castle, an originally medieval town fortification. The bright sunlight brings out the architectural details of the impressive church building in the wealthy cloth-trading centre. Yet only the lady with the fan appears to be looking at it. Other sights arrest the gazes of her companion and the two gentlemen depicted in the scene.