Brightness is contributed by the array of brass, porcelain, delft, rugs, cushions and tiled fireplace, with its fine brass andirons, bellows and other equipments. On the ledge of the wainscot handsome jars and vases and other specimens of porcelain and delft are symmetrically arranged, and on the wall hang plaques and brass sconces. The room receives additional light from old brass chandeliers. A cabinet full of curios, a large kas, a Bible on a stand, a spinning-wheel, foot-warmers, pipes and old kitchen utensils are sure to be found here; and to these articles we may add a carved napkin-press, a mangle, an old carved board and rolling-pin for doing up fine linen, and an ancient carved, gilded and painted sled.

Collecting is not confined to the individual; for the study of old furniture and other antiquities that contribute so great an aid to the historian in constructing the social life of the past and so great an aid to the artist, architect and decorator, is widespread in Holland. The great museums of the large cities contain many superb and valuable specimens, and display them with great taste. In some cases whole rooms have been removed from some old palace or stadhouder’s house with their original ceilings, chimney-pieces, hangings and furniture; and, again, entire rooms have been fitted up in the characteristic style of some province whose individual manners and customs are fast disappearing. Many of the small towns have a collection of local antiquities, which are, as a rule, attractively displayed; for the members of the numerous Dutch antiquarian societies take great pride in the history of their country. Sometimes, as in the case of the “Museum van Kunstnyverheid” in Haarlem, the collection embraces the artistic industries of ancient and modern times. This museum contains a particularly fine collection of kitchen utensils and other articles and furniture familiar to us in the pictures of Jan Steen, Maes and other Dutch masters.

The museums of Belgium are equally rich in old furniture, tapestries and other treasures.

THE END

INDEX

Butler and Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

  1. Did not change the word ‘jouées’ as it was used consistently. The word ‘joues’ might be more appropriate.
  2. "In Bruitlaen" might be an English-pseudo-phonetic transcription of "In Bruikleen" (On Loan). Did not change.
  3. Jehan/Jan/Jean Maluel/Malouel and Hennequin/Hannequin van/of/de Prindale/Prindael are likely two separate individuals. They are considered sometimes as the same person and sometimes as different persons. Did not change.
  4. Did not attempt to correct any English translation errors from the Dutch.
  5. Did not change ‘daïs’ as it is an old spelling of ‘dais’.
  6. Changed ‘Itedelijk’ to ‘Stedelijk’ on p. [vii].
  7. Changed ‘Aubri de Bourguinon’ to ‘Aubri de Bourguignon’ on p. [37].
  8. Changed ‘maestra di panni de razza’ to ‘maestra di panni de arazzi’ on p. [59].
  9. Changed ‘Turween’ to ‘Terween’ on p. [82].
  10. Changed ‘Judocus Hondius’ to ‘Jodocus Hondius’ on p. [107].
  11. Added ‘in’ before ‘1589’ on p. [116].
  12. Changed ‘tart pannen’ to ‘taart pannen’ on p. [151].
  13. Did not change the dates (1689–98) provided for Heinrich van Bein on p. [166]. Could not determine the actual lifespan.
  14. Changed ‘studied with Diamonds’ to ‘studded with Diamonds’ on p. [185].
  15. Changed ‘They left the Texel’ to ‘They left Texel’ on p. [215].
  16. Changed ‘household gods’ to ‘household goods’ on p. [242].
  17. Silently corrected typographical errors.
  18. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.