Dining with Marianne
On display at Notarishuis
In the exhibition 'Dining with Princess Marianne', the life of Princess Marianne of Orange-Nassau (1810-1883) takes centre stage. This exposition not only provides insight into Marianne's tumultuous life journey and her significance to Voorburg, but also delves into the culinary traditions of the aristocracy in the 19th century.
Earthenware, transferprint, blind stamp. Wedgwood, England, ca. 1861-1867. On loan from family Lintz.
A Glimpse into the Life of Princess Marianne
As the youngest daughter of Willem I and Wilhelmina of Prussia, princess Marianne experienced a life filled with high and lows. Following an unhappy marriage to Prince Albert of Prussia, she embraced her independence and formed an unconventional relationship with her librarian-secretary and lover, Johannes van Rossum. From 1848 onwards, they regularly spent time at the country estate Rusthof in Voorburg. The exhibition allows visitors to delve into the life story and artistic side of this eccentric woman through historical objects and letters from her life.
From Royal Banquets to Modest Meals
Raised at her parents' court according to the nineteenth-century etiquette rules of the Etiquette du Palais Royal, princess Marianne's daily meals were meticulously documented in the menu books of the court marshal's administration. During her unhappy marriage in Berlin, she had her own chef, Ferdinand Hauptner. In 1838, Hauptner published a cookbook, of which Marianne owned two copies. In Voorburg, her daily meals were prepared by the household staff, utilizing the produce from the kitchen garden and orchard near the orangery of Rusthof.
The Inventory of Rusthof
After Princess Marianne's passing in 1884, a detailed inventory was drawn up of her possessions at Rusthof. These included kitchenware, tableware, and even the contents of her wine cellar. Many of these exquisite items have been dispersed over the years. Thanks to the research conducted by the Voorburg Heritage Foundation Princess Marianne, the Huygens Museum presents in the exhibition some objects directly from Marianne's possession or donated by her to her staff. It's a unique opportunity to see these works in the stately setting of the exhibition hall at the Huygens Museum.
Secretaire belonging to princess Marianne. Wood, brass, glass, ca. 1827-1883. Collection Huygens Museum, Voorburg
Guest curator
Alexandra van Dongen
Design
Studio Berry Slok
The exhibition is made possible with the support of
Mondriaanfonds, Cultuur & Co
Lenders
Kees van der Leer, familie Lintz. Nel Teutenberg, Stichting Erfgoed. Prinses Marianne, Heleen Koetsier-Treep
