Ruit met Prins Maurits in biddende houding c. 1618 - 1620

Editor: Here we have "Ruit met Prins Maurits in biddende houding," made around 1618-1620. It’s an anonymous stained glass piece residing here at the Rijksmuseum. I'm immediately struck by the grid-like structure imposed by the lead, and how the narrative unfolds across the panels. What catches your eye? Curator: I'm drawn to the materiality of the piece itself. Glass as a medium is fascinating, especially here. Think about the process of its making - the molten glass, the labour of shaping and staining it, the precise cutting and leading to assemble the image. Each stage of the process carries its own inherent social context. What does the glass, and the decisions around it, tell us? Editor: I guess the detail suggests the artist had access to fine materials and possessed great skill, suggesting maybe they worked in a well-established workshop? It’s so different from painting. Curator: Exactly. It’s not just paint on canvas; it's about transforming raw materials through a collaborative workshop environment. Also, consider the practical application of stained glass beyond aesthetic pleasure. Stained glass like this wasn’t mere decoration. It shaped the interior environment, filtering light and colour to create particular atmospheres for its beholders. In thinking of light and shade, consider the labour involved and the specific intention that determined those choices. Editor: So the craftsmanship involved becomes part of the artwork's meaning itself. The high skill level, the specialized tools, even where the materials come from—it all impacts the narrative. Curator: Precisely. Think about the cost of this glass, who could afford this level of artistry? We move beyond Prince Maurits's piety to consider wealth, privilege, and access to specialized labour. Editor: It shifts the focus from the Prince as an individual to broader societal structures. That makes me see it in a completely different light. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Considering the material reality offers a far more layered and dynamic appreciation.