Koorbank in de Sint-Waltrudiskerk in Mons, België before 1887

This Koorbank, or choir stall, was crafted from carved wood, likely in the 15th century, for the Sint-Waltrudiskerk in Mons, Belgium. The choice of wood as the primary material is significant. Its inherent qualities of warmth, texture, and workability lend themselves to the creation of intricate designs and comfortable seating. This choir stall, with its carved details, not only enhances the visual aesthetic but also attests to the skills of the artisans who shaped it. The process of woodworking, from selecting the timber to the final carving, involves a close engagement with the material. The creation of this choir stall was far from a solo endeavor; it required a network of individuals, each contributing their specialized skills. From the lumberjacks who felled the trees, to the sawyers who milled the wood, to the carvers who shaped the intricate details, each played a crucial role in bringing this artwork to life. The communal nature of labor invested in it is quite palpable. In appreciating this Koorbank, we move beyond the traditional boundaries of art history, recognizing the value of craft and the importance of labor in shaping our cultural landscape.