Interieur van de bibliotheek van Christoffel Plantijn before 1886

Joseph Maes created this photograph of the interior of Christoffel Plantijn's library sometime between 1838 and 1908. It invites us into a space filled with books, knowledge, and history, reflecting the cultural values of the time. Libraries have historically been spaces that privilege the educated elite, excluding those marginalized by class, race, or gender. Plantijn’s library, a center of humanist learning, raises questions about who had access to knowledge and whose voices were amplified. The crucifix prominently displayed suggests the pervasive influence of religious institutions on intellectual life, influencing the interpretation and dissemination of knowledge. This image prompts us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the creation and preservation of knowledge. It asks us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are silenced, both then and now. In looking at this photograph we must ask ourselves: Who is missing from this picture?