BK-14685

About this artwork

Purchased at Maison Hirsch & Cie, Amsterdam by Esther Mietje Heijman-Salomonson (1867-1935), Amsterdam;{Knoop 2018, p. 243.}; by whom bequeathed to the museum, with six other objects, to the museum, 1935

Art Historical Context

**BK-14685: A Fin-de-Siècle Textile Treasure** Created around 1893 by Hirsch & Cie N., BK-14685 is a weaving measuring approximately 48 cm in length Produced during a vibrant era of decorative arts in Europe, this piece exemplifies the refined textile work associated with luxury retailers of the time. Hirsch & Cie, operating as Maison Hirsch & Cie in Amsterdam specialized in high-quality furnishings and fabrics, catering to an affluent clientele seeking elegant home accents. Weaving as a medium allowed for intricate patterns and textures, blending functionality with artistry in late 19th-century interiors. This artwork entered a notable collection when purchased directly from the Amsterdam store by Esther Mietje Heijman-Salomonson (1867–1935), a cultured Amsterdam resident with a keen eye for quality objects. Upon her passing, she generously bequeathed BK-14685 along with six other items to the museum in 1935, preserving a slice of Gilded Age consumerism and personal legacy. Today, it offers a window into the sophisticated world of Hirsch & Cie's offerings, highlighting how textiles like this wove together commerce, craft, and cultural refinement in turn-of-the-century Amsterdam. A testament to enduring taste, it invites us to appreciate the quiet elegance of everyday luxury.