Schoorsteenmantel met vazen, opgesteld in het archeologisch museum in Luik, België before 1884

This photograph captures a scene from the archeological museum in Liege, Belgium, presenting a chimney mantel adorned with vases. The composition is structured by the stark contrast between the ornate, classical forms of the mantelpiece and the raw, utilitarian objects surrounding it. The vases, meticulously arranged along the mantel, evoke a sense of order and classical harmony. Above, circular decorative reliefs punctuate the space with their geometric precision. Yet, this order is subtly disrupted by the asymmetrical placement of archeological fragments and tools, hinting at the incomplete nature of historical reconstruction. The high contrast in the black and white photograph throws sharp relief onto the objects, which destabilizes any fixed reading, opening the space for re-interpretation. Notice how the objects within are not just presented but staged, inviting us to reconsider how museums construct narratives of history. This visual arrangement challenges our assumptions, prompting us to deconstruct the curated reality of the museum itself.