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2026-02-12

FOR ART – A Temporary Art Intervention by Littmann Kulturprojekte. Basel 2025–2028

Exhibition Talk with Dr. Friedrich von Bose, Director of the Museum der Kulturen Basel, "Inventory Illustrators – a female profession"

A conversation for everyone interested in museum work, drawing, knowledge production, and the stories behind objects

Exhibition Talk with Dr. Friedrich von Bose

As part of the exhibition “Inventory Illustrators – a female profession” FOR ART invites you to an exhibition talk with Dr. Friedrich von Bose, Director of the Museum der Kulturen Basel.

Curated by Klaus Littmann, the exhibition presents around 150 historical inventory drawings from the collection of the MARKK, shown outside Hamburg for the first time. From the early 20th century onward, women draftswomen documented objects from all over the world with great precision. Their work long remained in the background: carried out anonymously, in the shadow of male curators, and for a secure—if modest—remuneration. Yet it has profoundly shaped our view of the world and our knowledge of cultures.

In conversation with Friedrich von Bose, we explore the significance of this often invisible practice and examine the role of the women draftswomen between science, craftsmanship, and colonial collecting processes. Together, we take a fresh look at a surprisingly compelling visual world.

A conversation for everyone interested in museum work, drawing, knowledge production, and the stories behind objects.

Thursday, 12 February 2026, 6:00 pm (doors open 5:45 pm)
Entrance: Rittergasse 25, Basel
No registration required, free admission

INVENTORY ILLUSTRATORS – A FEMALE PROFESSION
The exhibition is on loan from the MARKK and runs until 28 February 2026 at FOR ART – a temporary art intervention by Littmann Kulturprojekte, Basel.

FOR ART – Rittergasse 25, Basel
Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (and by appointment: info@klauslittmann.com)
Free admission

more about FOR ART – A Temporary Art Intervention by Littmann Kulturprojekte. Basel 2025–2028

Images

Dr. Friedrich von Bose, Director of the Museum der Kulturen Basel

© MARKK, Photographic Collection (photographer unknown). Fifteen women draftswomen pose on the steps for a group photograph. Taken before the First World War, the photograph suggests a strong sense of belonging and a vibrant team spirit.

© MARKK. Mask. Description: Cap made of raffia-like woven material with a wooden superstructure; a female human figure with the ears and horns of an animal is attached, with carved ornamentation. White, green, and black beads and feather tufts.

Dr. Friedrich von Bose, Director of the Museum der Kulturen Basel

© MARKK, Photographic Collection (photographer unknown). Fifteen women draftswomen pose on the steps for a group photograph. Taken before the First World War, the photograph suggests a strong sense of belonging and a vibrant team spirit.

© MARKK. Mask. Description: Cap made of raffia-like woven material with a wooden superstructure; a female human figure with the ears and horns of an animal is attached, with carved ornamentation. White, green, and black beads and feather tufts.