Hollands radslotpistool 1620 - 1630

Curator: Looking at this piece, I immediately think about power, class, and the global trade routes that fuelled its creation. Editor: Indeed, it’s quite an arresting object. It strikes me as a complex layering of materials—wood, metal, intricate mechanism—and each choice speaks volumes about the craftsman's knowledge and social context. What exactly are we looking at here? Curator: This is a Dutch wheellock pistol, made sometime between 1620 and 1630. You can find it here at the Rijksmuseum. It’s a fascinating example of Baroque craftsmanship. Editor: Baroque design sensibilities on a firearm. The ornate embellishments seem almost contradictory to the function of the weapon. Curator: But not surprising! In this era, firearms like this became potent symbols of status and control. A beautifully crafted weapon reflects the owner’s wealth, influence, and dominion over others. Editor: The maker clearly understood the inherent tension there—a tool of violence elevated through artistry and refined manufacturing. One might even question the role such beautiful tools play in encouraging or sanctioning violence within society. The crafting of such things is very labour intensive. I wonder what social class this gun came from. Curator: Considering that only elite members of society could likely afford such decoration in their arms. The imagery employed on these weapons speaks volumes. Even their place now in the collection of this museum says something about the nature of art, culture, violence, trade and power that existed so long ago, which still has influence in this world today. Editor: I completely agree. Thinking about the materiality of art gives such a richer historical view of things and helps examine the relationship of making in general. Curator: And considering this beautiful tool of war allows us to examine how trade, class, conflict, violence and power existed long ago and its continuing influence on the modern day.