Agenda

What is the definition of ‘exotic’ in Switzerland or elsewhere? This changing notion still conditions the way we look at the world today. Two centuries ago Switzerland had a different view of countries of Europe and other continents and its inhabitants. The exhibition explores the relationship between Switzerland and abroad in the Age of Enlightenment but also offers a link to the 21st century and an understanding of the (changed) worldviews. Numerous activities, artistic installations and collaborations with other cultural and historical institutions accompany this exhibition, which also addresses current and sensitive topics.

True love exists and existed, as well as social conventions, at least that is the starting point of the exhibition (L’amour en boîte).  In the period 1812-1817, Eugénie de Treytorrens (1785-1856) and Charles d’Odet (1776-1846) wrote at least 252 letters. Eugénie was of wealthy Protestant origin from Guévaux (canton of Fribourg). Charles belonged to a family of landowners but was considerably less wealthy, both Catholic and from another canton (Valais). Their correspondence has been preserved. It gives a good insight into the sentiments, morals, male-female relationship, Protestant-Catholic and the importance of fortune within the bourgeoisie. In the correspondence, these aspects are often discussed and they have also been a reason to end the relationship eleven times. The twelfth time, in a letter dated 4 November 1817, Eugénie made a definitive decision.

In today’s social media, correspondence is much quicker, less courteous and less long-winded. The discussions also have different content, but the sentiments remain the same. Incidentally, Eugénie and Charles both married shortly afterwards, they with notary Charles Stoecklin (1793 – 1842) from Fribourg, he with Aglaé de Bons (1797 – 1864).

The twofold-exhibition (Zeitzeuge und Pioniere der Mundartdichtung) presents the travelling exhibition ‘Schweizerreise – Johann Peter Hebel as Aufklärer’ (Journey through Switzerland – Johann Peter Hebel as a philosopher of the Enlightenment) of the Dreiländermuseum and the Hebelbund in Lörrach (Germany), and a selection of manuscripts, letters and drawings from the legacy of the poet-priest and Hebel admirer Jonas Breitenstein (1828-1877) from the canton of Basel-Landschaft. Johann Peter Hebel (1760-1826) travelled through Switzerland in 1805 and recorded his observations in a travel diary. His notes offer a remarkable insight into a time when Napoleon also ruled Switzerland. Jonas Breitenstein is considered one of the most influential authors of his canton. He was the first to publish in the Baselbieter dialect. The exhibition offers uncommon and good insight into this period of the nineteenth century.