Godefroy de Bouillon chosen King of Jerusalem c. 19th century

Editor: This is Léopold Massard's "Godefroy de Bouillon Chosen King of Jerusalem." It feels very staged and formal. What historical narratives are at play here? Curator: Absolutely. The Crusades were incredibly complex, a blend of religious fervor, political ambition, and outright violence. How does Massard's depiction reinforce or challenge the narratives you've encountered? Editor: I see mostly a romanticized view of the event, focusing on the nobility. Curator: Exactly. Consider whose stories are centered, and whose are erased in this representation? Does it invite a re-evaluation of the Crusades and their lasting impact? Editor: It definitely gives me a lot to consider about whose voices are valued in historical representation. Curator: It urges us to look beyond the heroic narrative and grapple with the darker legacies of colonialism, religious conflict, and cultural appropriation.