Room from Het Scheepje (The Little Ship) early 17th century (photo)

This Dutch room is from a house that was part of the brewery complex in Haarlem known as Het Scheepje (The Little Ship). In the early seventeenth century the house was owned by Dirk Dirick, a former skipper who became a successful brewer and burgomaster. Located on the first floor, this room was used for both daytime activities and sleeping, for a bed is built into the wall facing the windows, a typical arrangement even in prosperous Dutch households. Tiles depicting children, boats, birds, and flowers line the imposing fireplace, while the oak mantelpiece and paneling are carved with ornaments, such as pilasters and masks inlaid with ebony, adapted from pattern books of the period. The table is from the original room, whereas the cabinet, linen press, and chairs, although not from the room, are of the same period and style as the woodwork.