Bestekbak 1842 - 1898

B. Dellemijn made this miniature cutlery set in the Netherlands before 1917. It presents a tiny fork and spoon alongside a rectangular open container with a handle, all in silver. Looking at the context in which this was made we can see its connection to wider social and cultural trends. Miniatures, especially of domestic items, became popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting an increased focus on the home and family. In the Netherlands, where domesticity was highly valued, such miniatures served as both toys and decorative objects that reinforced social norms and gender roles, teaching young girls the skills they were expected to master as adults. Art historians can use archival research, including catalogs of domestic goods and toys, to better understand the role of these objects in shaping social values. The study of such items reminds us that the meaning of art is deeply rooted in its social and institutional context.