Vaas met twee coupletten van het volkslied Wien Neerlandsch bloed 1856

Editor: This is an engraved glass vase from 1856. The Rijksmuseum attributes it to an anonymous artist. What's striking is that it's inscribed with the lyrics from "Wien Neerlandsch bloed," the Dutch national anthem. It’s interesting to see how text is part of its material make-up and surface, instead of merely adorning it. What do you see in this piece beyond its aesthetic appeal? Curator: Well, placing emphasis on process, observe how engraving transforms a utilitarian object – a glass vase – into a vehicle for national identity. The act of inscription is labor-intensive, turning glass, an industrial material, into a repository of cultural memory and collective sentiment. Editor: That makes sense. The text seems almost fragile, almost contrary to the clear strength of glass, which might be the point. Curator: Precisely. Consider how this contrasts with industrial modes of production that proliferated in the 19th century. We're looking at craft being intentionally placed in service of national symbolism. How does the function of a vase for holding flowers shift when overlaid with text that’s about nationalism? Does it become purely decorative, or does it still serve a purpose? Editor: Perhaps it elevates something as everyday as flowers into a symbol of national pride? I hadn't thought of the labor involved in its creation, and how the glass, plus the craft act against industrialized glass production methods. Curator: Right. Reflect on the relationship between craft, consumption, and patriotism. Was this vase intended for everyday use, or display? It pushes us to reconsider craft’s socio-political function, beyond simple artistry. Editor: That's really fascinating, viewing its construction as more than decorative art and more as a production reflecting nationalist sentiment. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: Absolutely, by examining materiality, we unlock rich perspectives on a nation's evolving sense of self.