c. 1900 - 1915
Lint van crèmekleurig gaas van 8 meter
Gustav Schnitzler
@gustavschnitzlerLocation
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This is an eight-meter roll of cream-colored gauze, of unknown date, by Gustav Schnitzler. While seemingly simple, this object carries a wealth of social and historical context. Gauze, often associated with healing and care, speaks to the historical roles attributed to women in nursing and domestic duties. The cream color evokes a sense of purity and domesticity. This particular piece, with its unknown date, invites speculation. Was it intended for medical use during a time of war or epidemic? Or perhaps it was meant for bridal wear, symbolizing innocence and a new beginning? The inscription on the packaging, ‘8 M. Etr. 85’, adds another layer of mystery. Could this refer to a specific historical event or personal significance? In the end, this roll of gauze serves as a quiet yet poignant reminder of the everyday materials that shape our lives and memories. It underscores how even the most unassuming objects can hold profound emotional and historical weight.