The Riddleblog

Dogs in Dutch Churches

This scene (painted by Dutch artist Emanuel de Witte in 1651) is titled “Interior of the Oude Kerk [old church] at Delft During a Sermon” (1651). de Witte is well known for his interior scenes of churches. This particular painting is now part of the Wallace collection in London.

de Witte depicts a Reformed minister preaching from the raised pulpit in the center of the church. If you look carefully, several of those listening to the sermon have brought their dogs. According to one source, this was a common practice. Churches could be uncomfortably cold and dogs provided warmth. But should your dog bark, become disruptive, or attempt to do their business, church wardens would instruct the dog's owner to take them outside, or else make the owner clean up if the dog made a mess.

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History and CultureKim RiddlebargerSeptember 26, 2025Dogs in churchComment

Dogs in Church?

An artist whose work I enjoy, is Emanuel de Witte, noted for his interior scenes of churches. This painting is the "Interior of the Oude Kerk [old church], Delft," from about 1680. It is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.

The scene above is of a Reformed minister, preaching from the raised pulpit in the center of the church. If you look carefully, one of those listening to the sermon has brought his dog to church (in the shadow at the bottom right). According to one source, this was a common practice. But should Fido got too noisy, or attempt to do his business, church wardens would instruct the dog's owner to take them outside, or else make them clean up after the dog made a mess.

Blog postKim RiddlebargerDecember 15, 2020Dogs in churchComment