Souvenirs, souvenirs!

The exhibition in the Feld-Haus presented a large selection of souvenirs, focusing on printed objects and objects decorated with pictures. Since the second half of the 19th century, these have included postcards in particular. Picture postcards with motifs of one's vacation destination were sent to friends and relatives and were not only intended to remind the sender, but were always also a piece of self-expression: "Look where I am right now!"

In Catholic families, souvenirs from vacations were often accompanied by mementos purchased on pilgrimages or pilgrimages. Candles, images of grace, or pendants allowed for private devotion after returning home. Likewise, through the devotional objects brought along, one could share the blessings of the "holy places" with those at home.

Another section of the exhibition was devoted to artists' journeys:

The journeys undertaken, often lasting years, were often part of an artist's education. There are several sketchbooks in the collection of the Feld-Haus. One of the reasons artists created these volumes was so that they could later use the motifs collected on a journey to create complex pictorial compositions or large paintings.

Thus, the motivation for the journey can be guessed from the various souvenirs: work-related or intended for recreation, cheerful or pious. The show made people want to travel. Fortunately, there are souvenirs everywhere!