Fragmenten karton voor het glasraam in de westgevel van Joris van Egmond (Bisschop van Utrecht 1535-1559) voor de Sint Bavo Kerk te Haarlem 1541

Editor: Here we have a drawing and engraving from 1541, attributed to Gerrit Boels. It's entitled "Fragments of cardboard for the glass window in the west facade of Joris van Egmond (Bishop of Utrecht 1535-1559) for the Sint Bavo Kerk in Haarlem." The detail is pretty incredible – I mean, you can even see the individual lines in the crests! What is your interpretation of this work? Curator: Ah, yes! This fragment speaks to me of legacy, not just religious, but also personal. Imagine, these precise engravings serving as a blueprint for stained glass, meant to flood the church with color and light – a lasting monument to Bishop Joris. There's a real poetry in that transition, isn't there? Think about how the ephemeral light would play with these static forms… Editor: It's like a flattened sculpture in preparation. Almost like an instruction manual! Curator: Exactly! These heraldic symbols tell a story of power, lineage, and faith, condensed into these small spaces. But the artist… what was *he* thinking? Commissioned to portray such esteemed stature? I wonder if Boels ever paused, ink-stained fingers still, to question this divine hierarchy he's helping to cement. Editor: Hmmm, I was focusing on the symbolism, and didn't consider Boels' feelings! So, you are drawn more to what might be *behind* the symbolism? Curator: Precisely. Behind every grand gesture is an individual act. Boels, lost to history, his own beliefs shrouded, faithfully captures a Bishop’s desire to become eternal through crafted light. How wonderful, though tinged with mortality! Editor: That is great food for thought! I'll certainly see it differently now. Thanks so much! Curator: My pleasure! Every artwork whispers secrets; all we need is a curious ear, right?