Balustrade van het oude stadhuis van Den Haag before 1880

This is a photograph of a balustrade from the old town hall of The Hague, dating back to the 16th century. It's made of stone, a material that speaks volumes about the era in which it was created. Stone is heavy and permanent, requiring immense labor to extract from the earth, carve, and set into place. The balustrade, with its repeated forms, suggests a degree of standardization, yet it also shows evidence of handcraft. The surfaces are adorned with sculptural details that required skilled artisans. Think about the masons and sculptors who would have worked on this facade. The level of craft demonstrates their expertise, a tradition passed down through generations. This brings up questions of labor, skill, and the social status of those involved. Though anonymous, their contribution is embedded in every detail. By focusing on the materiality and the making, we can better understand the social and cultural significance of such structures. It bridges a gap between architecture, craft, and the lives of those who made it possible.