Dollhouse
Anonymous, 1699 — 1743
Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem
The twelve rooms in this dollhouse, furnished by Sara Rothé of Amsterdam, provide us with an intimate glimpse into the rich life of the eighteenth century, complete in miniature. Behind the façade of this canal house, each room is decorated according to the fashion of the time. The fact that the designer used several older dollhouses to construct this one should not detract from our admiration. As a source for the everyday life of the rich upper class in the eighteenth century, the piece is of inestimable value. For example, it still contains the very fragile textiles, the paintings, the glittering silver, and the porcelain with which it was furnished. We can be sure that this dollhouse was never touched by children’s hands – which is why it has stood the test of time in such exceptionally good condition.
— Yuri van der Linden, Curator of the State Collection, Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
Object details
The Dollhouse of Sara Ploos van Amstel-Rothé 1699–1743
Cabinet of varnished wood with furnishings of various materials | 227.5 x 173 x 72.5 cm
Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem (purchased with the support of Vereniging Rembrandt)
Anonymous
Gallery
