Pret op stand - Vertier van toen: Exploring Dutch Leisure and Entertainment History

This exhibition explores the diverse forms of entertainment and leisure enjoyed by the affluent Dutch citizenry from the 17th to early 19th centuries. It delves into popular outdoor activities, indoor pastimes like board and card games, the development of intellectual societies, and the collection of exotic objects.

The Geelvinck Pianola Museum presents 'Pret op stand - Vertier van toen' (Fun in Style - Entertainment of Yesteryear), an exhibition that illuminates the recreational life of the prosperous Dutch from the 17th to the early 19th centuries. During this era, the well-to-do had ample leisure time, engaging in popular outdoor activities such as kolf, pluimbal, skating, and competitive ball games, while hunting was a favored pursuit for gentlemen, governed by specific regulations. Indoors, board and card games were immensely popular, as was playing music on a forte or table piano, reflecting a growing interest in domestic music-making. Wealthy citizens also cultivated intellectual curiosity and a taste for the exotic, collecting wondrous artifacts from distant lands, often showcased in 'cabinets of curiosities,' thanks to trade facilitated by the V.O.C. Collections of original drawings, prints, and paintings were also assembled. For affluent ladies, the creation of dollhouses, meticulously depicting the ideal Dutch household, provided hours of engaging family pastime. Children received instruction in dance and music, fostering a cultured domestic environment. The 18th century saw the rise of societies dedicated to restoring old values, acquiring knowledge, and promoting virtue, with literary societies flourishing and forming the intellectual bedrock for initiatives like Felix Meritis. The exhibition also touches upon the historical evolution of 'kaatsen' (a ball game), detailing its popularity, legal restrictions, and eventual formalization into a competitive sport.