About After Saenredam


Pieter Saenredam (1597-1665) is best known for his paintings of Dutch Reformation church interiors. These are spare, austere interiors befitting the new protestantism of 17th century Holland and were made from drawings done on the spot and in the studio. The studio drawings were theoretical perspective constructions made with reference both to his initial sketches and to notations he made of the actual dimensions of the interior. They became the template for his resulting paintings. My own curiosity was sparked by the realisation that numbers of his drawings made for paintings survive whereas the paintings they were designs for, are now lost.


Saenredam, The Mariakerk, Utrecht, Construction drawing, 1641


Winstanley, 'Lost (After Saenredam)' Oil on panel, 2016

This painting, as with others in the series, is an attempt to re-imagine this lost painting. The sensibilities of Saenredam and myself are close in nature so it is possible to believe that this painting would not have been unlike the lost painting, though of course we will never know. Others in the series follow a similar course. Many have required the making of new construction drawings. Some include 21st century features, some have more unexpected interventions, all depict the same church in Utrecht, long since demolished.