Behind the Curtains: The Influence of Female Employees in Museum Boijmans van Beuningen 1935-1956

This thesis investigates the contributions of female employees at Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam between 1935 and 1956. Despite the historical omission of their contributions, this research explores their roles both within and outside the museum through archival and literary analysis. The thesis first examines female staff members' societal networks and educational backgrounds. Many were connected to upper-class cultural societies, such as the Rotterdamsche Kunstkring, and some received art history education from scholars like H.P. Bremmer and Willem Vogelsang. These connections often facilitated their entry into the museum and informed their cultural contributions. The second section focuses on their roles inside the museum, distinguishing between scientific and non-scientific positions. Women contributed to scholarly work, cataloguing collections, and publishing academic materials. Despite their qualifications, they often held subordinate roles, with the first female...Show moreThis thesis investigates the contributions of female employees at Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam between 1935 and 1956. Despite the historical omission of their contributions, this research explores their roles both within and outside the museum through archival and literary analysis. The thesis first examines female staff members' societal networks and educational backgrounds. Many were connected to upper-class cultural societies, such as the Rotterdamsche Kunstkring, and some received art history education from scholars like H.P. Bremmer and Willem Vogelsang. These connections often facilitated their entry into the museum and informed their cultural contributions. The second section focuses on their roles inside the museum, distinguishing between scientific and non-scientific positions. Women contributed to scholarly work, cataloguing collections, and publishing academic materials. Despite their qualifications, they often held subordinate roles, with the first female curator appointed only in 1956. Some began as volunteers in hopes of securing paid positions. The final chapter explores the motivations behind their involvement. Social constraints, such as marriage laws and class privilege, played a role, as did their desire to remain within elite cultural circles or pursue professional careers in the arts. Ultimately, these women challenged traditional gender roles by asserting themselves in the generally male-dominated museum space. Their efforts as scholars, curators, and benefactors significantly contributed to the development of Museum Boijmans and laid the groundwork for future generations of female museum professionals.Show less

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Behind the Curtains: The Influence of Female Employees in Museum Boijmans van Beuningen 1935-1956