Scharnier c. 1590 - 1596

"Scharnier", a hinge from the late 16th century, is a fascinating example of a functional object that has been preserved as a work of art. Crafted from iron, the hinge is a simple but sturdy piece of metalwork that would have been used to connect two pieces of wood. The hinge features a distinctive, irregular shape, possibly a result of the blacksmith’s hand-forged technique. This small artifact, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, provides a glimpse into the craftsmanship and everyday objects of the past.