Gedeelte van de kasteelruïne te Batenburg 1906

This silver gelatin print captures a section of the Batenburg castle ruins, and was made by an anonymous photographer working for Monumentenzorg, likely in the early 20th century. Monumentenzorg, or the Dutch National Service for the Protection of Monuments, was charged with preserving and documenting historical sites. Looking at the image, we see the stark reality of time's passage reflected in the crumbling brickwork and the moat that surrounds what's left. The image creates meaning through its direct and unromanticized depiction. This photograph might have served a dual purpose: as a record for historical preservation and as a statement on national identity. The very act of documenting and preserving these ruins speaks to a desire to connect with the past, and to negotiate the role of history in shaping contemporary Dutch society. Understanding this image requires delving into the archives of Monumentenzorg, examining the policies and cultural values that shaped their mission. By doing so, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, history, and the institutions that mediate our understanding of the past.