Ruit met "Turkse ruiter" 1895 - 1905

Arthur Charlier created this stained-glass panel depicting a “Turkish Rider,” sometime between 1870 and 1930. The piece is made with delicate precision, using hand-painted glass and lead cames, in the traditional manner of stained-glass production. The vibrant colors are achieved through the addition of metallic oxides during the glassmaking process. Notice how Charlier has skillfully layered paint to create depth, especially in the rider's face and the landscape, reminiscent of miniature painting. Stained glass, for centuries, served both decorative and narrative purposes, often found in churches and grand homes, reflecting wealth and status. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists like Charlier revitalized this craft tradition. With the advent of industrial production, however, it became easier and cheaper to produce. In effect, the glass became both a precious, hand-crafted object, and a commercial product. The artwork reminds us of the intersection between artistic skill, craftsmanship, and the evolving landscape of artistic production.