Tekens aan de wand: de oude graffiti in de Haarlemse Grote of St.-Bavokerk in context

Abstract

This book deals with the old graffiti in the Grote or St.-Bavokerk in Haarlem, which is primarily to be found on the so-called Broodbank, an almsbench from which bread was purportedly distributed to the poor. The book first deals with graffiti in general, what is and what isn't graffiti, why was graffiti made, how did graffiti develop over time, and does graffiti differ in various contexts. The book then delves into the very complicated history of the Broodbank, its various parts are dated, and its original location within the church is discussed. Following this the graffiti on the broodbank is descibed and explained in more or less chronological order. Most of it appears to be from the 15th through to the 17th centuries and comprises, amongst other things, circles, letters and abbreviations, ships, gallows and executions, a horse, an adulterer and a naked bald woman. The last chapter deals with the younger graffiti in the church. There is also a catalogue.