Miniature puppet show, J. Verhoogt, Hoorn, 1906

Heavy silver miniature of a puppet show, made by the silversmith J. Verhoogt from Hoorn. Active from 1896 to 1936.

Jan (Johannes) Verhoogt started as a knife sharpener, later specializing entirely in luxury silver miniatures. In the antique world, he became world-renowned as the leading specialist in windmills and sailing ships.

Such scenes reflect the historical tradition of Dutch street entertainment, captured in silver down to the smallest detail by silversmiths.

The miniature consists of a classic, mobile wooden puppet theater with a sloped roof. The silver panel on the front is decorated with a fine block or diamond pattern (guilloche engraving). In the window opening of the puppet theater stands the iconic hand puppet Jan Klaassen, recognizable by his pointed hat. He triumphantly raises his arms.

In front of the theater is a group of spectators in historical 18th-century clothing with tricorn hats. One of the figures enthusiastically waves a long stick or saber in the air to attract the attention of passersby.

To the left is a closed travel trunk on a foldable stand, in which the puppeteer transported his puppets and traveling clothes.

The miniature is hallmarked with the second fineness mark, Minerva head, year letter Y for 1906, and the maker's mark JV with a hammer.

The miniature is in perfect condition.

Weight: 48 grams. Dimensions: 4.2 x 4.2 x 5 cm.

Check out the blog about the silversmith J. Verhoogt from Hoorn here