Strijkijzer 1739

This miniature silver iron was crafted in the Netherlands by Frederik van Strant II, active during the first half of the 18th century. More than a simple household object, it speaks volumes about social status and gender roles in the Dutch Republic. During this period, silver wasn't just for currency or display; it was a marker of wealth and refinement. Owning a silver iron, even a miniature, signaled membership in the upper echelons of society. The iron would have been heated by placing a hot metal or brick inside it, and then put on the stand when not in use. Consider how this relates to gender. Who was typically responsible for laundry and maintaining a household? This simple domestic object invites us to reflect on the social structures of its time. To truly understand this piece, further research into Dutch silver craftsmanship, sumptuary laws, and gender dynamics would be invaluable. Art, after all, is always contingent on social and institutional contexts.