Advanced Search 
Layette baskets were a specialty of silversmiths in The Hague, and held the infant's baptismal clothes before the christening—a Christian religious ceremony where an individual is welcomed into the faith. This exceedingly fancy basket bears the monogram of Willem Adriaen van Nassau and the coat of arms of his wife, Elizabeth van der Nisse. The couple probably commissioned it on the birth of their son, Cornelis, in June 1667. Layette baskets were made from a range of materials, reflecting the wealth of the newborn’s parents. Today, we have only those of the wealthy, for baskets used by people of modest means were made of materials like straw or reeds and did not survive.
View: Interior
Layette Basket
Marked by: Adriaen van Hoecke (Dutch, 1659–1716)
Dutch (The Hague)
1666–67
Object Place: Europe, The Hague, The Netherlands
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
L x W x H: 72 x 42.1 x 12.8 cm (28 3/8 x 16 9/16 x 5 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
John H. and Ernestine A. Payne Fund
Accession Number1982.617
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
Layette baskets were a specialty of silversmiths in The Hague, and held the infant's baptismal clothes before the christening—a Christian religious ceremony where an individual is welcomed into the faith. This exceedingly fancy basket bears the monogram of Willem Adriaen van Nassau and the coat of arms of his wife, Elizabeth van der Nisse. The couple probably commissioned it on the birth of their son, Cornelis, in June 1667. Layette baskets were made from a range of materials, reflecting the wealth of the newborn’s parents. Today, we have only those of the wealthy, for baskets used by people of modest means were made of materials like straw or reeds and did not survive.
DescriptionRectangular shape enclosing wide border of flowers finely chased. Subject depicted in panel in middle of basket is from Virgil, "Without food and drink, love grows cold"; Ceres and Bacchus offering gifts to venus, with landscape in background. Monogram on handles.
Marks
Town mark for The Hague; AVH (maker's mark); year letter P (1666-67)
InscriptionsEngraved arms on reverse of Elisabeth van der Nisse, Lady of Heinkeszand, Overzande and Driewegen (Zeeland). Monogram on handles of WAVN (William Adriaen van Nassau)
Provenance1666-67, made for Count Willem Adriaen van Nassau, Lord of Odijk and his wife, Elizabeth van der Nisse, The Hague, The Netherlands [see note 1]. February 29, 1980, sold at Philip's, London, lot 34. By 1982, with Curator's Choice, Ltd., Boston, MA; 1982, sold by Curator's Choice and bought by the MFA through the John H. and Ernestine A. Payne Fund. (Accession date: December 8, 1982)
[1] The handles of the basket bear Count Willem Adriaen van Nassau's monogram, and the arms of his wife, Elizabeth van der Nisse, and was probably a gift for their son Cornelis, baptized on June 8, 1667. Traditionally, the layette basket was presented by the father's family on the occasion of an infant's baptism.
[1] The handles of the basket bear Count Willem Adriaen van Nassau's monogram, and the arms of his wife, Elizabeth van der Nisse, and was probably a gift for their son Cornelis, baptized on June 8, 1667. Traditionally, the layette basket was presented by the father's family on the occasion of an infant's baptism.