Molossische hond, beter bekend als Jenning's Dog, Neues Museum, Berlijn 1868 - 1870

This stereoscopic card, produced by Johann Friedrich Stiehm, captures a view inside Berlin's Neues Museum. The focus is the so-called "Jennings Dog," a Roman-era sculpture of a Molossian hound. Produced during a period of intense nationalism in Germany, the photograph reveals how classical sculptures were viewed and used in the late 19th century. The statue, prominently displayed, becomes a symbol of cultural and historical continuity, linking Germany to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The museum, as an institution, played a crucial role in shaping this narrative, carefully curating and presenting artifacts to promote a specific vision of national identity. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the history of the Neues Museum, as well as the intellectual and political climate of the time. Historical archives, museum records, and period publications can provide valuable insights into the social conditions that shaped both the production and reception of such images.