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

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

By R. B. Halbertsma

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. 

ISBN 9780415518550

200 Pages

Published March 2, 2012 by Routledge

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 Early Collections of Classical Art in the Netherlands; Chapter 3 C.J.C. Reuvens and the Archaeological Cabinet in Leiden, 1818; Chapter 4 Collections and Conflicts; Chapter 5 The Greek Collections of B.E.A. Rottiers; Chapter 6 Jean Emile Humbert; Chapter 7 Station Livorno; Chapter 8 Forum Hadriani; Chapter 9 The Ideal Museum; Chapter 10 End of the Pioneer Years 1835–40;