Vijf koffers, twee standbeelden en een ivoren reliëf, opgesteld tijdens de Exposition Rétrospective van 1873 in Tours, Frankrijk 1873

Gabriel Blaise made this photograph of an exhibition in Tours, France, in 1873. It depicts a selection of objects, including suitcases, statues, and an ivory relief, arranged for the Exposition Rétrospective. This image provides a glimpse into the cultural values and historical narratives that were being curated and presented to the public during the late 19th century. The inclusion of suitcases alongside classical statuary suggests a juxtaposition of the practical and the aspirational, perhaps reflecting the burgeoning tourism industry and the desire to collect and display objects from different cultures. France in 1873 was a nation grappling with its identity in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War. The Exposition Rétrospective, as an institution, played a role in shaping cultural memory and national pride by showcasing objects deemed historically and artistically significant. Further research into exhibition catalogs, period reviews, and archival records could shed light on the specific social and institutional contexts that informed the selection and presentation of these objects. By understanding the historical context and institutional agendas at play, we can better interpret the meaning and significance of this photograph as a reflection of its time.