Calendar

One of my favourite books begins with the introduction of an old monk who, at the end of his life, takes it upon himself to write down the "memorable and horrific events" that he experienced as a novice in an abbey in northern Italy. Everyone knows this story; it doesn't end well for anyone. But before that happens, the chronicler tells of an immensely large library and, again and again, of wondrous books and the pictures they contain, "with colours (as) beautiful as painting".

700 years later: In the stacks of the HGB library, I select books whose covers or titles arouse my curiosity and flick through the pages. I see printed Sütterlin script. Strange game instructions. Old-fashioned adverts. And again and again strange pictures: An armour helmet from the 16th century with a human face carved into it to deter enemies. A pair of 19th century toy dolls baked from bread dough (!). The pitiful view of men's clothing from the 17th century that looks as if the wearer is still wearing it. I proceed according to the pure pleasure principle. Only gradually do I realise that I am looking for and finding precisely those pictures whose execution or meaning seem "memorable and horrific" to me at the same time.

For the "Hidden Treasures" exhibition series, publications from the HGB library 's otherwise inaccessible stacks are presented. Often, only a subtly placed colour-coded bookmark or a coloured underlay indicates that it is an exhibition exhibit.