Sleutel
Unknown Artist
ca. 1600 - ca. 1699
Medium
iron (metal)
Dimensions
2.2; 9.1
About this artwork
lengte 9,1 cm x breedte 2,2 cm
Art Historical Context
### Sleutel (Key), ca. 1600–1699 Nestled among the treasures of our collection is this modest yet evocative iron key, known simply as *Sleutel*. Measuring a compact 9.1 cm in length and 2.2 cm in width, its unassuming form belies the craftsmanship of an unknown artisan from the 17th. Forged from iron—a durable, everyday metal—this key exemplifies the practical artistry of the period, when blacksmiths shaped raw materials into essential tools through heating, hammering, and precise filing. In the bustling world of 17th-century Europe, particularly the prosperous Dutch Golden Age, keys like th...