Dubbelloops vuursteendraailooppistool Possibly 1655 - 1690

Editor: Here we have the "Dubbelloops vuursteendraailooppistool," possibly from 1655 to 1690, maker Cornelis Coster, housed at the Rijksmuseum. The materials, from what I can see, are mostly metal. It’s… surprisingly elegant, in a lethal sort of way. All the reflective surfaces and subtle embellishments make me think it must have been made for someone wealthy. What strikes you when you look at this object? Curator: Well, seeing an object like this transports me back to a period of intense social and political upheaval, across Europe especially. This isn't just a weapon; it’s a symbol of power and status, crafted during the Baroque period when such displays were incredibly important. Its creation and existence are embedded within evolving concepts of nationhood, warfare, and of course, class distinctions. Editor: How so? I mean, it’s a gun. Curator: Yes, but think about the cultural impact of firearms at the time. They revolutionized warfare, placing more power in the hands of individuals—or at least, individuals who could afford them. A double-barreled flintlock like this offered a tactical advantage; who do you think this pistol might have belonged to? What statement was the owner hoping to make? Editor: Maybe a wealthy merchant looking to protect their goods, or perhaps even royalty, with something a little more functional than a sword. I hadn’t considered its use in that context, though! So much history wrapped up in one artifact. Curator: Exactly. And thinking about the art market and weaponry; objects such as this pistol remind us of how economics shaped social structures and contributed to an endless cycle of violence, even up until now. Editor: I see. Examining its style in relation to these specific periods offers so much depth. Curator: Indeed, examining artworks from all historical periods helps us question what social, political and cultural roles continue even into our present.