Doopvont in de Sint Walburgiskerk te Zutphen 1890 - 1910

This is a photograph of the baptismal font at Sint Walburgiskerk in Zutphen, taken by an anonymous photographer, documenting cultural heritage. Focusing on the materiality of the font itself, it’s clear that it’s made of metal, likely bronze or brass, given its color and the period in which it was made. The lost wax casting process would have been used, creating a highly detailed surface with intricate sculptural details. Consider the immense labor involved in creating such a piece: from the mining of raw materials, to the work of the foundry in melting and casting the metal, and the highly skilled work of the artist or artisan who designed and finished the piece. The making of such a font involved a complex network of workshops and tradespeople. By considering the materials, processes, and social context of this baptismal font, we can appreciate the skill and artistry involved in its creation.