Dolls’ house of Petronella Oortman c. 1686 - 1710

This exquisitely detailed dolls' house was commissioned in the late 17th century by Petronella Oortman, a wealthy woman of Amsterdam. It's not just a plaything, but a meticulously crafted replica of a prosperous merchant's home, reflecting the values and aesthetics of the Dutch Golden Age. The house offers a glimpse into the lives of the privileged. The tiny rooms overflow with luxury goods, miniature paintings, and handcrafted furniture. This exquisite detail masks the labor and global trade networks that made such wealth possible. It represents a world where women held considerable social power within the domestic sphere, yet were excluded from formal political life. The dolls' house embodies a tension between private fantasy and public display, between the intimacy of the home and the vast world outside its doors. It speaks volumes about the complexities of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of perfection in a rapidly changing world.