Gezicht op een nagebouwd deel van Frankfurt op de Wereldtentoonstelling van Antwerpen in 1894 1894

Charles Bernhoeft created this photograph of a constructed section of Frankfurt at the 1894 Antwerp World’s Fair. It offers insights into the era's socio-cultural values and the role of such exhibitions. World's Fairs were key platforms for nations to showcase their achievements and cultural identities. This image, made in Belgium, reflects the late 19th-century fascination with progress, colonialism, and national identity. The constructed Frankfurt section would have presented an idealized version of German culture, reinforcing certain national narratives. As an art historian, I consider how this image fits into the broader context of imperial competition and the construction of cultural hierarchies during this period. By looking at archival material of the time, from fair publications to newspaper reports, we can better understand the complex interplay of commerce, culture, and power at play in these events.