Kartons voor het glasraam in de westgevel van Joris van Egmond (Bisschop van Utrecht 1535-1559) voor de Sint Bavo Kerk te Haarlem 1541

Gerrit Boels made this preparatory drawing for a stained glass window in the Sint Bavo Kerk in Haarlem. Executed on paper, it presents a complex architectural framework surrounding Bishop Joris van Egmond. The drawing’s incredible detail indicates the level of skill involved in the subsequent glassmaking process. Glass production has always demanded a collective effort. The work was divided among designers, glassblowers, glaziers, painters, and installers, each contributing specialized skills. The process began with creating coloured glass, followed by painting details onto the surface with enamel paint. Finally, the glass was fired to fuse the paint, then assembled with lead strips. This division of labor speaks to the relationship between artistry and industry. While Boels provided the detailed design, the labor-intensive execution involved numerous artisans, their collaborative efforts resulting in a luminous window that served both aesthetic and didactic purposes. Examining the different stages of production reminds us of the wider community that contributed to its creation.