Filigrain zilveren schaal op de Tentoonstelling van oudheden in Delft before 1863

A.L. Oversluijs captured this image of a filigrain silver bowl at the Exhibition of Antiquities in Delft. While the bowl itself is no longer attributed to a particular artist, the photograph speaks volumes about the cultural values of its time. These exhibitions were intended to show the skills of silversmiths, and in doing so, reinforce ideas about national identity and cultural heritage. Silver filigree, with its delicate, lace-like patterns, was a luxury art form, embodying status and refinement. Consider how objects like this bowl become symbols, not just of wealth, but also of a nation’s artistic prowess. It's a testament to the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, and what we value. What does it mean to showcase such an object? What aspects of Dutch history and identity are being amplified?