Ruit met Christus voor Pilatus c. 1510 - 1530

Aert Ortkens’ round panel depicts Christ before Pilate, rendered in delicate glass and vitreous enamel. The luminous quality owes much to the process involved. Notice how light passes through the translucent medium, creating a vibrant and ethereal effect. The enameling technique, requiring meticulous hand application and firing, gives the scene its fine detail and subtle gradations of tone. The circular format, not typical of traditional painting, invites close inspection and a unique viewing experience. The artwork speaks to the rich tradition of stained glass artistry and its place within both religious and secular contexts. While glassmaking was certainly a commercial enterprise by the 16th century, the level of skill and craftsmanship evident here suggests a more artisanal, workshop-based mode of production. The artist's involvement in every stage, from design to execution, blurs the line between craftsman and artist. Ultimately, this panel invites us to appreciate the material, making, and cultural context that elevate this work beyond mere decoration.