Expositie van Belgische wapens tijdens de wereldtentoonstelling te Antwerpen 1894

This photograph by Th. Lantin captures the Belgian military exhibit at the Antwerp World Fair in 1894. World Fairs were institutions designed to showcase national achievements in industry, technology, and the arts. This image offers a glimpse into how Belgium presented itself on the world stage. Note the careful arrangement of weapons and martial figures on display. These objects aren't merely functional, they're presented as symbols of national pride and military might. The very act of exhibiting these weapons transforms them into cultural artifacts, inviting viewers to admire and perhaps even celebrate Belgium's military prowess. The image prompts us to consider the politics of display and the social conditions that shape artistic production. How did such exhibitions contribute to the construction of national identity and the justification of military expansion? What role did these fairs play in shaping public perception of technology and warfare? By exploring such questions, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, power, and society in late 19th-century Europe.