Stok van koper beplakt met groen papier waar overheen balein

About this artwork

Stok van koper beplakt met groen papier waar overheen balein. Hierin een verrekijker, een flesje voor inkt, één voor pluksel, verder zwavelstokjes en papier, potlood en kaars.

Art Historical Context

This intriguing walking stick, crafted around 1815–1840 by the artist Steinberg, exemplifies the inventive spirit of early nineteenth-century design. Measuring approximately 90 centimeters in length, the copper core is elegantly sheathed in green paper overlaid with whalebone, creating a lightweight yet durable form. Far more than a simple aid for walking, the staff conceals a remarkable array of tools within its shaft: a small telescope, ink and lint bottles, sulfur matches, paper, a pencil, and even a candle. Such multifunctional canes were prized accessories for travelers and explorers of the period, reflecting both practical needs and a taste for refined ingenuity. The combination of optical, writing, and illumination implements suggests it was intended for extended journeys where self-sufficiency was essential. Steinberg’s careful construction highlights the era’s blend of craftsmanship and utility, transforming an everyday object into a portable toolkit. As a rare surviving example of this type, the piece offers visitors a glimpse into the resourceful material culture of the time. Its thoughtful integration of form and function continues to fascinate, reminding us how personal objects once embodied both elegance and preparedness.