Wheellock pistol c. 1650

Curator: At first glance, the lines of the wheellock pistol are so elegant. It’s disarming to consider its lethal purpose. Editor: This gorgeous object dates from around 1650 and resides here in the Rijksmuseum. Pieces like this one were crafted by Sievardt Kitzen. When assessing this piece, it is critical to recognize how colonialist regimes employed gun ownership to amplify disparities in authority and social mobility in the Early Modern period. Curator: I'm struck by how much the embellishment softens the metallic harshness of the design. Look at the ivory or bone inlay; it transforms what could be a purely functional object into something approaching art. The contrast between the dark wood and the gleaming metal also captures the eye. Editor: That kind of decoration was carefully considered. Weaponry such as this acted as an unmistakable symbol of authority for the landed gentry, particularly those embroiled in empire building. The intricate details underscore the craftsmanship available to those with societal and monetary power. The firearm itself, the technology that backs it up, became emblematic of Western might. Curator: Yes, and looking closely, you see the tension created by this blending of forms; that a utilitarian instrument would receive such artistic attention. Editor: The symbolic function takes precedence; such display was more than about aesthetics, and Kitzen certainly had some part in furthering that paradigm. How fascinating to confront our own cultural moment. Curator: Precisely, this reminds us of the embedded power structures behind what might appear like innocent forms. Editor: Ultimately, it calls us to confront how we ascribe artistry, luxury and class—elements intrinsically shaped by our conflicted past.