Opgegraven Romeinse handvatten, deurknoppen en sloten 1862 - 1887

Editor: Here we have "Opgegraven Romeinse handvatten, deurknoppen en sloten" – that's "Excavated Roman Handles, Doorknobs and Locks" – an engraving from between 1862 and 1887, by Andries van den Berg. It's so precise and detailed. It's like looking at a catalogue of ancient hardware. What strikes you most about this print? Curator: The poignancy of touch. Imagine, these objects were once grasped, turned, secured. Each element whispering tales of daily lives lived centuries ago. Notice the lion-headed handle. What stories could it tell of guarding a doorway? A symbolic guardian rendered with meticulous care. Does it make you wonder about the hands that held it, the secrets it kept? Editor: Definitely! And the way they're presented, almost like archaeological finds meticulously documented. Curator: Precisely! Van den Berg isn't just depicting objects; he's offering us a glimpse into a tangible past. The rigid lines of the engraving juxtapose beautifully with the softened, corroded textures of the excavated items. The piece bridges the space between functional design and archaeological marvel. How does the act of engraving, of reproducing, add another layer to this sense of history? Editor: It's like each print makes these Roman artifacts, or at least their image, infinitely reproducible and shareable. Curator: Exactly. The print allows this slice of ancient history to become a shared experience across time, disseminated from a Roman tomb in to the viewers imagination. Editor: I see what you mean. It’s more than just a record; it's about connection. Thanks, that's really given me a fresh perspective on how to look at this piece. Curator: My pleasure! Every object holds a universe, and it’s up to us to listen to the echoes.