Boord van ambtskostuum van Hendrikus Colijn Possibly 1925 - 1928

Editor: This is Hendrikus Colijn's official costume, believed to be from 1925 to 1928. It's a mixed-media piece, quite ornate with all the embellishments. The crispness of the uniform on display almost feels like a statement about power and authority. What are your first thoughts looking at this historical garment? Curator: It’s definitely a striking piece of political and social history. Consider the era: the interwar period in the Netherlands. Colijn was a dominant political figure, a man of strong conviction. This isn’t just clothing; it’s a carefully constructed image. Look at the detail—the medals, the sash. They signify order, merit, a clear hierarchy. Do you think the display in a modern museum context enhances this sense of authority? Editor: That’s a good question. Placed in a sterile glass case, it certainly emphasizes the importance and perhaps the untouchability of the individual who wore it. It becomes an artifact, removed from everyday use, almost elevated to the status of royalty. Curator: Precisely! And consider who decides what gets displayed, and how. Museums aren't neutral spaces. By showcasing this particular uniform, the Rijksmuseum makes a statement about Colijn's significance in Dutch history. It also subtly engages in a discourse about power: how it’s represented, preserved, and, perhaps, even critiqued through its display. The mixed-media construction hints to us that material worth contributes to his authority. Editor: So it's not just about the person, but also the institution choosing to preserve and display this costume, reinforcing a specific narrative about history. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to consider whose stories get told, and how the display of such objects contributes to shaping public memory and national identity. Museums have the power to legitimize or challenge our perceptions of history. Editor: I've certainly learned a lot. Looking at the costume from the perspective of historical narrative makes it a very thought-provoking object. Curator: Indeed. And I appreciate your fresh eyes prompting a deeper understanding of how we interact with history through material objects.