Raam van gebrandschilderd glas met het wapen van Batenburg before 1908

Benjamin Charlé crafted this stained glass window panel, bearing the coat of arms of Batenburg, presumably around the turn of the 20th century. The process of creating stained glass is one of meticulous labor. Molten glass, infused with metallic oxides for color, is cast into sheets, then carefully cut into the desired shapes. These pieces are then arranged according to the design, held together by lead cames, and finally soldered at the joints. The weight, texture, and inherent fragility of the glass dictate the design's structure and aesthetic. In Charlé’s time, stained glass was often associated with religious or aristocratic patronage. This example, with its heraldic imagery, speaks to the enduring power of lineage and legacy. The level of skill and time invested in its creation also reflect the social status of both the patron and the artist. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can begin to understand the cultural significance of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.