Ruit, gebrandschilderd, ontwerp Lebeau 1926

Curator: Ah, here we are standing before Chris Lebeau's stained glass design from 1926. It’s called “Ruit, gebrandschilderd, ontwerp Lebeau,” housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It's absolutely stunning. I'm struck by its ethereal quality; the blues and golds, the repeating patterns… it feels like a window into a dream, and somehow both ancient and futuristic at once. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, I feel that! For me, Lebeau captures a fascinating intersection. There's the undeniable influence of Art Nouveau, flowing lines, and the symbolism woven into the very glass, of course. Do you sense the undercurrent of something else? I'd say a deeper symbolic language—an almost occult leaning into shape, shadow and repetition. How do you see it now? Editor: Yes! I see how you are bringing out this aspect that seemed like a dream is also more esoteric! The stylized geometric pattern suggests movement and direction that can be interpreted as more than meets the eye... hidden worlds maybe? Curator: Exactly. Each coloured panel sings differently. Now, imagine this catching the afternoon sun – it’s not just seeing; it's feeling something ancient, almost elemental, bubbling beneath the surface, do you agree? Editor: Absolutely! I originally thought of dreamy landscapes, but there's a conscious choice of how the dream unfolds and shapes what's happening. It makes the piece far more intriguing! Curator: And that's where Lebeau works his magic – nudging you out of passive observation and into a personal, active interpretation. This glass is no longer a see-through it is something else: a window in time to who you are as the observer! It gets under my skin, it asks important things about what matters, who is viewing, and where. Editor: I agree, it truly expands how I originally felt looking at it and helps make me feel a part of it! Thank you.