Strijkijzer van koper

About this artwork

hoogte 16,5 cm x lengte 23 cm x breedte 12 cm

Art Historical Context

Step into the domestic world of the 17-century Netherlands with this copper *strijkijzer*, or flatiron, a humble yet essential household tool from the Dutch Golden (1600–1699). Measuring a practical 16.5 cm high, 23 cm long, and 12 cm wide this artifact exemplifies the everyday craftsmanship of the era, when meticulous grooming and crisp linens were signs of prosperity and piety. Crafted from copper—a metal prized for its excellent heat retention and conductivity—this sadiron would have been heated over a fire or stove before being used to press clothing. Unlike modern electric irons, it required skill to avoid scorching fabrics, reflecting the labor-intensive routines of households. The unknown maker's work highlights the skilled metalworking traditions of the time, where functional objects were often beautifully proportioned and durable. Beyond utility, this *strijkijzer* offers a window into cultural values: ironing symbolized social order and cleanliness in a burgeoning mercantile society. Displayed in museums today, it reminds us how ordinary tools wove the fabric of history, bridging art, craft, and daily life.