Windows Reframed: Windows of the Lady Chapel

Two windows, separated by centuries, united in one story. One window originated in the Catholic era, the other during the Protestant period. In Catholic times, stained glass windows invariably depicted religious imagery. Later, Protestants chose to illustrate significant political and historical events, such as this mayoral window. Despite their differing origins, they now share a common future. Thanks to meticulous restoration and innovative techniques, they are ready for a sustainable return to the Oude Kerk.

This masterpiece by the renowned glass painter Dirck Crabeth depicts Mary’s final moments in a serene and intimate scene. It is the only window by the Gouda glass artist in the Northern Netherlands. Normally positioned high in the Lady Chapel, you now have the chance to admire its refined details, vibrant colours, and human portrayal up close.

A visual archive of the city of Amsterdam: the Second Mayoral Window is an impressive display of the coats of arms of mayors and city officials. Complementing the First Mayoral Window in the south aisle, this window by the Brussels glass painters De Angelis provides a unique insight into the city’s governance in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The centuries-old foundation of the Oude Kerk causes pressure and tension on the walls, which led to the removal of the windows for restoration in 2019. In a specialised workshop, they were carefully cleaned, repaired, and reframed using an innovative frame system. This system allows for flexibility in case of future subsidence, ensuring the windows are preserved sustainably. From 21 February to 5 May, the public can witness the reinstallation, the final step in the restoration process, up close. Experts will regularly provide in-depth insights during on-site expert talks, and a film detailing the restoration process will be shown near the windows. 

Both windows can be found in the Lady Chapel. The chapel was built during a time of religious turmoil and fundamental upheaval—a pivotal moment in the history of the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam, and Europe. It marked the transition from the ‘medieval’ to the ‘modern’ era, a decisive period for Europe’s place in the world. The chapel reflects both preservation and loss: some of Amsterdam’s oldest stained glass windows remain intact, while an altarpiece created specifically to complement the windows did not survive the passage of time.

The restoration was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of: the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, the Cultural Fund, the Province of North Holland, the Fund Edwin Bouw, the Brook Foundation, the Hendrik Muller Fund, and the P.W. Janssen Fund.