Gezicht op een zaal in gotische stijl in het hotel van De Ro in Brussel, België before 1898

Editor: Here we have a print of a photograph, taken before 1898, by G. Choppinet. It depicts a room in the Gothic style at the Hotel de Ro in Brussels. I'm struck by how domestic this gothic interior seems, not imposing or cavernous like a cathedral, but quite homey. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The photograph captures more than just a room; it captures a constructed memory. Notice the symbols: the tracery, the paneling, the herringbone floor – all consciously invoking the medieval past. It is the re-creation of a specific mood and tone. What cultural values do you think the owner wanted to project? Editor: Maybe a connection to tradition, craftsmanship, or even a sense of timelessness? It feels like a stage set for a historical drama, but as a backdrop for everyday life. Curator: Precisely! Consider how the photographer frames the composition. The chair sits deliberately unoccupied, creating a human presence that invites contemplation of domestic comforts within this curated, symbolic space. Does it not imply a specific kind of person? Someone who appreciates history, perhaps even someone who wants to project their status. Editor: That makes sense. It's like they’re carefully crafting an identity through their surroundings. So, the gothic elements aren’t just decorative, they’re loaded with meaning? Curator: Absolutely! Every object and detail becomes a signifier, contributing to the overall narrative the owner wants to express about themselves and their connection to history. It demonstrates their taste and cultural associations, revealing cultural values that linger and echo through time. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it as a constructed narrative before, but that adds a whole new layer of meaning. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It is amazing how photographs reveal historical perceptions of cultural identity, filtered through the lens of our past.