Handlood met achthoekige langwerpige kegel c. 1590 - 1596

Curator: This is an intriguing metal carving from around 1590-1596. It is known as “Handlood met achthoekige langwerpige kegel,” and resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Its sheer verticality strikes me first. The upward thrust and metallic coldness...it's a stoic presence, somehow unsettling. What function did it serve, or was it merely decorative? Curator: The title suggests it could have been a plumb bob—"handlood" implies it was hand-held, and the octagonal, elongated cone shape is quite distinctive. Notice how the facets catch the light. This geometric solidity provides a sense of grounding, despite its elegant elongation. Editor: And yet that one seemingly random, almost brutalist square piece jutting out disrupts the smoothness you admire. This, in relation to the metal, makes me think about labor of this kind and if there are connections to guilds and working practices of the time. Curator: It’s an exquisite example of Mannerist sensibilities—embracing distortion and stylization for expressive effect. The balance between smooth and jagged surfaces creates a visually stimulating interplay of textures. Editor: I see your point. Thinking about the guilds—was the creator of this plumb bob elevating functional design into artistry? It looks like this artisan was also consciously making something aesthetically beautiful for themselves or a client. I imagine them relishing that power, especially in relation to this object being potentially used to aid larger builds around that period. Curator: I find its strength in its ambiguity; we may never know precisely its function or original intent, and this allows us space to appreciate its visual qualities purely. Editor: I suppose appreciating beauty even in potential instruments of labor offers a potent challenge to traditional ideas. The metal's ability to be functional while provoking these thoughts speaks volumes.