Schoorsteenmantel met harnas before 1884

This black-and-white photograph by an anonymous artist captures a meticulously arranged fireplace mantel in the Pays de Liège, now part of Belgium. The striking display of a suit of armor above the mantelpiece, flanked by decorative objects, speaks to the cultural reverence for historical artifacts during its time. Made at a time when the region experienced significant industrial growth and social change, this image reflects an interest in preserving and celebrating the past, perhaps as a means of grounding identity amidst rapid transformation. The inclusion of such imagery in publications like "L'art ancien au pays de Liège" signals the institutionalization of heritage and the role of art in constructing a regional narrative. By examining the photographic archives and period publications, we can better understand the social function of such displays. What did it mean to curate a domestic space as a museum? These are some of the questions art historians ask when considering images like these.