Radslot, vermoedelijk bestemd voor een groot ruiterpistool of vuurroer c. 1590 - 1596

Curator: This object, a c. 1590-1596 "Radslot, vermoedelijk bestemd voor een groot ruiterpistool of vuurroer," or wheellock, likely intended for a large cavalry pistol, is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Its primary medium is metal. Editor: It’s incredibly stark, almost skeletal, stripped of its original context. I'm curious about how you approach something like this, where the original function is somewhat obscured, and the object itself is only a fragment. What do you see when you look at this? Curator: It's compelling precisely because it forces us to confront the means of production. This isn't a finished product; it's a piece of a machine. Consider the labor involved: the mining of the ore, the skill of the blacksmith in shaping the metal. It reflects a period of technological change, doesn’t it? What does the utilitarian nature of this piece suggest to you? Editor: That it's more closely linked to the day-to-day struggles of 16th-century life than many of the more elevated "art" pieces we study. So, this could be viewed as a critique, maybe even an ancestor of contemporary industrial design or even installation art? Curator: Precisely. By focusing on the material and the processes, we blur the lines between high art and craft, challenging established artistic hierarchies. Consider the economic implications. Who commissioned such weapons? Who profited from their manufacture and sale? The consumption, too, is worth reflecting on. What was the end goal here? Editor: War, power, and the consolidation of wealth. Looking at it this way gives me a newfound perspective. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, looking at the tangible material makes all the difference. Thank you, I feel the same.