Erasmus in Gouda

by Bert Hermans · Gouda, NL

In the painting Bert Hermans has depicted one of the most picturesque places in Gouda. The painting shows part of the medieval street Behind the Church that runs around the Grote or Sint-Janskerk. The area around St. John's Church is one of Gouda's tourist attractions. An attractive and iconic area. The painting also depicts Erasmus on the left wall of a house with a stylized portrait and a text. The text reads: "We are travelers in this world, not residents." The original text and the portrait can be found at Erasmusplein in Gouda. The design is from the Erasmus Society in Gouda. The text comes from the book "Preparation for Death" written by Erasmus. In the center of the painting Erasmus walks across the street with a book in his hand, as he can also be seen in many images. It is certain that Erasmus spent his early childhood in Gouda. There he attended the Grote or Parochieschool of St. John's Church, where he was taught by his later guardian Pieter Winckel. He continued his schooling in Utrecht, Deventer and Den Bosch before returning to Gouda. Pieter Winckel persuaded him to enter the Augustinian monastery Emmaus in Steyn near Gouda. He stayed there from 1487 to 1493, first as a postulant, then as a novice and then as a canon. Desiderius Erasmus is one of the testators of our civilization. During his lifetime he was seen throughout Europe as the most learned of all Christian humanists. His work is still published, translated and read.