This post reflects on a visit to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, focusing on how Dutch bourgeois life and values were visually constructed during the Golden Age. With original photos and commentary, it explores the paintings not just as art, but as a cultural message about wealth, status, and identity.

Rijksmuseum * Dutch bourgeoisie * Dutch Golden Age

When one thinks of the Rijksmuseum, the first association is often with the masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. However, the museum is much more than just a collection of fine art; it is a rich tapestry of Dutch history, culture, and daily life. This history is vividly portrayed not only in the paintings but also in the museum’s extensive collection of everyday objects.

Rijksmuseum, located in Amsterdam, is the largest and most renowned museum in the Netherlands, dedicated to Dutch art and history. Established in 1798, the museum is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. It is divided into several key sections, including the Dutch Golden Age paintings, a vast collection of historical artifacts, decorative arts, and a comprehensive display of Dutch colonial history.

Rijksmuseum at first glance

The wealth of the Dutch bourgeoisie primarily stemmed from the dynamic development of international trade during the 17th century, known as the Dutch Golden Age. During this period, the Netherlands became one of the world’s most powerful trading centers, largely due to the activities of organizations such as the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company. Trade in spices, silk, porcelain, and even slaves generated enormous profits, fueling the growth of cities, infrastructure, and culture. Investments in banking, shipping, and innovative agricultural practices further strengthened the position of the Dutch bourgeoisie, making it one of the wealthiest and most influential social classes in Europe at that time.

To understand how the Dutch bourgeoisie lived during this era, we can first look at the details captured in the paintings. The Dutch painters of the Golden Age were, in fact, portraitists of the wealthy bourgeoisie. They didn’t just capture their faces but also depicted how they lived, what they ate, and the interiors of their homes. These paintings reveal a wealth of details. If we compare this to how many of us share glimpses of our lives on social media today, it’s clear that the Dutch of the Golden Age did something similar, but instead of using photography, they employed and generously paid skilled portraitists to document their lives.

How did they live, what did they eat, how did they dress? Illustrated by the great painters of the Golden Age. “The Merry Family” by Jan Steen; “Still Life with a Turkey Pie” (fragment) by Pieter Claesz; “Banquet Piece with Mince Pie” by Willem Claesz Heda; “Officers and Other Members of the St Adrian Civic Guard” (fragment) by Frans Hals; “Banquet at the Crossbowmen’s Guild in Celebration of the Treaty of Münster” (fragment) by Bartholomeus van der Helst.

In the first painting we see a lively and joyful scene where a family gathered around the table enjoys a meal together. The home interior is warm and cosy. We see an indulgent feast and carefree atmosphere, subtly hinting at the potential for excess and moral laxity in the pursuit of pleasure. The paintings illustrate as well how the contents of Dutch bourgeois tables evolved, reflecting their growing wealth and refined tastes. In one painting, we see a roasted turkey, a symbol of luxury and abundance. In another, oysters – a delicacy considered a rarity. We see the transition from simple, local foods to more exotic and luxurious dishes, a result of the expanding global trade networks. The depiction of the civic guard members and the banquet celebrating a peace treaty clearly show how important fashion and elegance were in Dutch society. The men are dressed in richly decorated uniforms, which not only emphasise their roles and social status but also reflect their prestige and concern for appearance. It is notable that women are absent from these paintings, highlighting the male dominance in these formal and public spaces, particularly in military and official contexts.

Rijksmuseum Dutch bourgeoisie * Dutch Golden Age

Another key element in the museum that illustrates what a wealthy Dutch home might have looked like is the collection of dollhouses, which showcase complete homes, meticulously furnished down to the finest detail. The dollhouses on display at the Rijksmuseum were far from being mere children’s toys. These miniature homes were crafted as a hobby for wealthy women in the 17th and 18th centuries. They are not only works of art in their own right but also serve as detailed records of domestic interiors of the time.

The dollhouses on display in the Rijksmuseum are challenging to photograph in their entirety, as they attract a great deal of interest from visitors. Below are photographs of individual rooms within these houses, which I managed to capture during my visit to the Rijksmuseum.

The museum houses several exquisite examples, including the famous dollhouse of Petronella Oortman (on the upper photo), crafted between 1686 and 1710. This dollhouse is a meticulous replica of a grand canal house in Amsterdam. Every room is furnished with tiny, yet incredibly detailed versions of the furniture, textiles, and household items that would have been found in an affluent home of that era. Through these miniature worlds, visitors can explore the daily life of the Dutch bourgeoisie, from the layout of the kitchen to the luxury of the parlour. The attention to detail is astounding, with miniature paintings, hand-painted wallpaper, and even tiny porcelain dishes adorning the tables.

Rijksmuseum Dutch bourgeoisie * Dutch Golden Age

Finally, the museum’s collection also includes individual pieces of furniture and everyday objects displayed throughout various sections. The furniture collection includes everything from simple pieces such as beds, chests, and wardrobes to more elaborate and intricately carved cabinets. Some of these 17th-century pieces reflect the Calvinist values of austerity and modesty that were prevalent in Dutch society at the time. However, other items in the collection reveal the splendour of the homes of the Dutch elite, where no expense was spared in displaying wealth and taste. One prime example is the collection of cabinets. These are not only masterpieces of furniture craftsmanship, featuring countless compartments and intricate wood carvings, but they also serve as canvases for miniature works of art, with tiny paintings created using various techniques.

Examples of furniture on display in the Rijksmuseum range from simple pieces to highly elaborate and richly decorated cabinets.

The furniture showcased in the Rijksmuseum was crafted from high-quality materials, including rich woods such as oak and walnut, which were commonly used in Dutch furniture making during the Golden Age. These pieces often featured intricate inlays and embellishments made from materials like ebony, mother-of-pearl, and sometimes bone or other fine materials. Notable makers of these exquisite pieces included famous Dutch cabinetmakers of the 17th century, such as Herman Doomer and Pierre Gole, who were renowned for their skill in creating finely crafted furniture. These artisans often worked in major cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Leiden, where they combined local craftsmanship with imported materials and influences from across Europe. Their work was highly sought after by the Dutch elite and continues to be admired in museums around the world today.