Full of contrast
From large families to singles, from rich to poor, from migrants to merchants, Protestants, Jews, and Catholics: the 17th century was both vibrant and diverse. People lived in homes as diverse as their lives. Through everyday experiences, you'll discover all facets of society at the time.
So much to discover
Earthenware cooking pots and brooms are juxtaposed with the mantelpiece Philip Vingboons designed for Amsterdam mayor Joan Huydecoper and a unique silk bodice, a masterpiece from the V&A Museum in London. The exhibition centers on the famous dollhouses of Petronella Oortman and Petronella Dunois, highlights of the Rijksmuseum's collection.
From rage ball to silver
From early morning to late evening. You'll experience a day in a 17th-century household. You'll wander through rooms filled with objects, from mopheads to silverware, and discover that every object tells something about who the people were and how they lived. They, too, struggled with balancing work and family, had sex, and mourned family. On the other hand, they often made very different choices than we do today. Think of health, interior design, or the division of labor at home. You'll realize how close and yet so far away the 17th century is.
The cardboard world of Steef de Jong
Theatre maker and visual artist Steef de Jong is the exhibition's designer and, just like in his performances, uses cardboard as his primary material. He has created nine viewing boxes that transport you to various domestic activities at different times of the day.
Dollhouse by Petronella Oortman
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the dollhouse of Petronella Oortman, a very wealthy woman. The dollhouse is one of the Rijksmuseum's most prized pieces and has been fully digitized for the first time. An online special, to be released in October, will allow you to wander through the miniature rooms of the dollhouse.
