Scholars, Travellers and Trade: The Pioneer Years of the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, 1818-1840 - Hardcover

Halbertsma, R. B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415276306 ISBN 13: 9780415276306

Publisher: Routledge, 2003

Synopsis

Today, the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden is internationally known for its outstanding archaeological collections. Yet its origins lie in an insignificant assortment of artefacts used for study by Leiden University. How did this transformation come about? Ruurd Halbertsma has delved into the archives to show that the appointment of Caspar Reuvens as Professor of Archaeology in 1818 was the crucial turning point. He tells the dramatic story of Reuvens' struggle to establish the museum, with battles against rival scholars, red tape and the Dutch attitude of neglect towards archaeological monuments. This book throws new light on the process of creating a national museum, and the difficulties of convincing society of the value of the past.

About this title

About the Author

Ruurd B. Halbertsma is Curator of the Classical Department at the National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415276306
• ISBN 13: 9780415276306
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 196