Koorbank van eikenhout in de Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Nieuwpoort, België before 1887

This is an oak choir stall, likely made sometime in the 16th or 17th century, for the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Nieuwpoort, Belgium. What strikes me most about this piece is the sheer labor involved. The anonymous maker would have begun by selecting the oak, a dense and heavy wood. Then, using hand tools, they would have patiently carved each element: the columns, the panels, the intricate tracery. Look closely, and you can see the traces of the chisel. The material itself – oak – speaks of permanence and strength, fitting for a religious setting. But the elaborate carving also shows a desire to elevate the everyday, transforming a functional object into something truly special. It’s a testament to the skill of the artisan, who has imbued this solid material with a sense of lightness and grace. Thinking about this stall, it reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can be incredibly complex when we consider the materials, the making, and the context in which they were created. It's a reminder that craft and art are not so different after all.