Petronella Dunois had this doll house put together c. 1676, one year before her wedding in 1677. Of note are the silver miniatures in the kitchen. The Dutch are renowned as silversmiths.
The doll house is made like a cabinet and is as tall as an adult.
Doll houses in the 17th century were not made for children to play with - they were the hobby of the lady of the house!
Close up of the interesting attic laundry room.
Close up of all doll house rooms.
This doll house is in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Antique Dutch Doll Houses
1. Antique Dutch Doll House of Petronella Oortman
2. Painting of Petronella Oortman Doll House by Jacob Appel
3. Antique Dutch Doll House of Petronella Dunois
4. Antique Dutch Doll House of Petronella Dunois - Close Up Views
5. Antique Dutch Doll House of Petronella Dunois - Attic Laundry Room
6. Antique Dutch Doll House of Petronella Dunois - Kitchen View
Resource information - Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Charity Note:
I'd like to suggest that if you spend time making doll clothes, anyway, that you collect a few dolls from friends and neighbors and sew a wardrobe or a complete outfit for each doll. Then donate the doll in the completed outfit to a charity that distributes used dolls and toys to kids that otherwise would not have any.
Article and photo credit Susan Kramer
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