[Discussion] Masonic and Esoteric Heritage

[Sule Tarakcioglu]

Masonic and Esoteric Heritage. A New Perspective for Art and Heritage 
Policies.
Location: Netherlands

The renovation of the building of the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij in
Amsterdam (1919), carried out to accommodate the Amsterdam Municipal 
Archive,
has stimulated a heated discussion between experts on western 
esotericism, art
history, conservation and cultural heritage. The building was designed 
by the
renowned Dutch architect K.P.C. de Bazel, who was a member of 
theosophical and
masonic organizations. The architectural design, as well as the use of 
specific
materials and decoration, encompasses a rich theosophical symbolism. 
Should this
original symbolism be kept intact or be allowed to be radically altered 
to suit
the needs of the Amsterdam Municipal Archive? The case has highlighted a 
problem
area in current art and heritage policies, that will be addressed at the
conference for the first time in an international context.

While it is widely accepted that world religions such as christianity, 
islam,
judaism and hinduism have profoundly influenced art and architecture, it 
has not
been acknowledged that western esoteric currents (such as freemasonry and
theosophy) have influenced many celebrated artists and architects in the 
same
way. The traditional approach to western art is based on christian 
iconography,
which does not reflect the much wider range of cultural and religious 
currents
that have shaped western society and art. As a result of this oversight,
surviving examples of the material culture of western esoteric currents 
are not
recognized as an integral part of our collective cultural heritage and are
insufficiently documented, studied and preserved.

The conference will offer participants an introduction into the rich 
material
culture of western esoteric currents, including 18th-20th century 
architecture,
lodge and temple interiors, ritual and decorative objects, works of art, 
prints,
books, archival and photographic materials.

The study of western esoteric currents and the study of freemasonry have
developed into new academic disciplines with chairs at universities in 
Paris,
Sheffield, Amsterdam and Leiden. Recent research has offered important new
insights into the influence of these currents on western society, 
literature and
art since the renaissance. These insights have stimulated the call for a 
change
in current art and heritage policies.

Most art historians, conservation specialists and cultural policy makers are
unfamiliar with western esotericism, and subsequently are unable to 
recognize
alchemical, rosicrucian, masonic, theosophical, anthroposophical or other
esoteric symbolism in a work of art or an architectural design. This can
adversely effect art historical interpretations, decisions made during a
restoration process, and the outcome of applications for alterations to
protected buildings. The renovation of the building of the Nederlandsche
Handel-Maatschappij has illustrated the importance of interdisciplinary
cooperation between experts in the field of art history, conservation and
western esotericism.

The conference will bring these experts together for the first time. 
Scholars
and PhD-students in various academic disciplines will address the 
relevance of
esoteric symbolism to art and the problems affecting esoteric heritage, 
in order
to create an international and interdisciplinary dialogue, facilitate 
solutions
and stimulate research and education. This event will be an eye-opener for
anyone interested in art, cultural heritage or western esotericism.

The conference will take place 20-21 October 2005, in the Auditorium of the
Royal Library, Den Haag (The Netherlands).

The conference is organized by:
- the OVN, an independent Dutch Foundation for the Advancement of Academic
Research into the History of Freemasonry in the Netherlands, in cooperation
with:
- the Sub Dept. History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents 
(University
of Amsterdam),
- the Chair for Cultural Heritage, Conservation and Restoration 
(University of
Amsterdam),
- the OSK, the Dutch Postgraduate School for Art History (Onderzoeksschool
Kunstgeschiedenis).

For a preliminary program and registration form please contact the OVN.

Stichting OVN
PO Box 92004
1090 AA Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Email: info@stichtingovn.nl

Visit the website at http://www.amsterdamhermetica.com