Calvary: The Image of the Cross in Brabant

The Dutch province of Noord-Brabant exhibits a long Roman Catholic tradition, which is aptly demonstrated by the multitude of wayside crosses, calvaries and chapels that are scattered throughout its territory. This slide-show focuses on calvaries and crucifixes, which have been typically built either at or near cemeteries, churches or along rural roads. They are a solid reminder of the province's 'Rich Roman Past' ('Rijke Roomsche Leven'), relics of a bygone age during which most Brabantians were either factory workers or peasants, looking up at these images to find comfort, solace and protection.

Most of these sculptures were built in the late 19th and early 20th century, a time in which Brabant culturally reawakened (Noord-Brabant was a virtual serfdom between 1648 and 1795, during which the Roman Catholic religion was banned - in theory - by the Dutch State) and swiftly started to re-emphasize its Roman Catholic heritage.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Calvary
• The Cross
• Duchy of Brabant

[phenixwryter]

Well done vid. The artwork is impressive, even though the subject matter is gruesome.