Zeerijp (Gr): reformed
church or Jacobuskerk
This
church represents the last phase of
Romano-Gothicism.
It has pointed Gothic windows but also the typically Romano-Gothic
gables, as well as other decorations.
To the north-east of the church is a free-standing tower which
served as a gate to the church-yard. The tower also dates from
the 14th century. This combination of a church with a seperate
tower is not unusual for this province, and for example can also
be found in Noordbroek and
Zuidbroek.
The church, originally dedicated to the apostle Jacob but protestant
since more than 400 years, dates from ca. 1350. It's a single-aisled
cruciform building. Unlike earlier Romano-Gothic churches it
has a clear vertical accent, which is typical for Gothicism. For instance the
walls are no longer divided in horizontal zones with niches.
The interior is however still dominated by the mellon-vaults
which are so characteristic for Romanogothicism.
Of interest are also the colours of the interior, a reconstruction
of the oldest known state found after removing a coat of white
plaster. The walls are painted red, divided by white-painted
fake seams. The vaults are painted in various decorative patterns.
Only at the vault of the choir the coat of white plaster remains.
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