\u201cA lot of us have an idea about the home in the 17th century, and for most people that is based on paintings \u2013 paintings in the Rijksmuseum that I know so well\u2026that seem to give an impression of the daily world of that time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut in this exhibition, we show the 17th century life that was not in those paintings. Actually, those paintings were the Instagram of the 17th century \u2013 they sketched out the ideal image\u2026But of course it wasn\u2019t like this in reality and we focus on the actual objects like a broom, the normal things that everyone had at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of these objects are indeed less commonly shown by museums. Theatre director Steef de Jong uses a cardboard box to present a curious wooden syringe used either for contraceptive purposes after sexual intercourse or for \u201ca more pleasurable possible use\u201d for a woman, according to the description. Another box shows a corset; others show silverware, a fireguard, a stove, essential for heating draughty homes or single rooms.<\/p>\n
\u201cCardboard fits so well,\u201d he said at a press opening on Tuesday. \u201cCardboard is something that refers to the now \u2013 and it is always everywhere around you. If you order a package, if you buy anything, everything is wrapped in cardboard.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if you set the 17th century in a cardboard setting, it really pops out and you see that it\u2019s all about the objects\u2026You forget you are in a museum and the things really come to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/At-home-in-the-17th-century-560x373.jpg\")
Peepshow cardboard boxes\u00a0 Photo: Photo: Rijksmuseum\/Jordi Huisman<\/p>\n
The exhibition features Oortman\u2019s doll\u2019s house that inspired the book and drama The Miniaturist \u2013 and for the first time opens up its secret cellar, with an audio guide narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, and an accompanying podcast.<\/p>\n
But it also represents the life of the working class, who might spin for a living using tiny stone spindle whorls, depend on bread tokens used in Amsterdam\u2019s Jordaan for discounted rye bread, heat a damp room with a precious stove, and gamble with a drinking game version of the Dutch \u201cganzenbord\u201d.<\/p>\n
Death<\/p>\n
Hygiene was important \u2013 displayed in your starched linen collar more than full-body washing \u2013 but the reality of the 17th century was also one of early death, said van Dijk. One of the objects displayed is a diary in which the owner recorded the deaths of parents and many children; another is a deathbed portrait of an baby and the funeral bier used to carry coffins for members of the bakers\u2019 guild.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ideal image of the time was a family, a woman with children, but the reality wasn\u2019t always like that,\u201d said Van Dijk. \u201cIn the 17th century home, life was very closely connected with death.\u201d<\/p>\n