Opstelling van metalen voorwerpen in het Bayerisches Nationalmuseum te München 1876

This is an anonymous photograph of an exhibit in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum in Munich. The image captures a display of metal objects, likely taken around 1916, the date mentioned in the inscription. The photograph is of interest to the social historian as it depicts the museum as a key institution in shaping cultural memory and national identity. The display cases, filled with artifacts, reflect a specific curatorial choice, one that emphasizes craftsmanship and perhaps a romanticized vision of German history. Consider the context: early 20th-century Germany, a nation grappling with modernization, industrialization, and a search for cultural roots. The museum served as a space where the public could connect with a curated version of their past. To understand this image better, researching the history of the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, its collecting practices, and its role in German society would be essential. The photograph serves as a valuable document, illustrating the complex interplay between art, nationalism, and institutional power.