Gezicht op een zaal in renaissancestijl in het hotel van Paul Raepsaet in Oudenaarde, België before 1898

G. Choppinet’s photograph captures a room in the Renaissance style at Paul Raepsaet's hotel in Oudenaarde, Belgium. The image testifies to the cultural project of reviving historical styles in the 19th century. Here, the photograph not only documents a specific interior but also participates in a broader cultural trend. During this period, there was a widespread fascination with historical styles, influencing architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts. This revivalism was often linked to nationalist sentiments and a desire to connect with a perceived glorious past. Examining the historical context, we might consider the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement or the Gothic Revival on this Renaissance-inspired interior. The photograph prompts us to investigate the cultural values and aspirations that fueled this revivalist trend. Further research into Belgian architectural and design publications of the period would provide additional insight. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork resides not only in its aesthetic qualities, but in its complex relation to social and institutional practices.