Koorgestoelte in de Sint-Janskathedraal te Den Bosch before 1889

These choir stalls in the Sint-Janskathedraal in Den Bosch are made from carved oak, likely sometime in the late medieval period. Oak is a noble material, heavy and strong, ideal for a structure meant to last centuries. The anonymous maker would have begun by selecting the wood, carefully considering the grain and character of each piece. Using axes, saws, and chisels, the timber was shaped into the basic architectural form, before the application of intricate carving. The resulting texture is layered: the overall rhythm of the seats, the subtle irregularities of the wood grain, and the crisp articulation of the decorative elements. The deep, shadowed relief speaks to the skill and time invested in the work. Consider the number of hands involved in creating this work, from foresters to woodworkers, all participating in the material culture of the church. Looking closely at the "Koorgestoelte," we can appreciate how material, process, and cultural context converge, blurring boundaries between craft, design, and art.