Eikenhouten beeld van Jozef en Maria op de Tentoonstelling van oudheden in Delft before 1863

This is a photograph by A.L. Oversluijs depicting a wooden sculpture of Joseph and Mary at the Exhibition of antiquities in Delft. It is a fascinating glimpse into the cultural life of the Netherlands and its relationship with religious history. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Delft, with its rich artistic heritage and strong Protestant identity, provides a compelling context. The sculpture itself, of Joseph and Mary, evokes the history of religious art and its place in Dutch society. The presence of this sculpture at an exhibition of antiquities prompts us to consider the role of museums and exhibitions in shaping our understanding of the past. What stories do these institutions tell? Are they self-consciously conservative, preserving traditional values, or do they offer a more progressive, critical perspective on history? Historians can deepen our understanding by exploring archival materials related to the Exhibition of antiquities, shedding light on the social and institutional forces that shape the production and reception of art.