The Hague’s Binnenhof (inner court) sits next to the Hofvijver (court pond), and began its life in the 1200s as a gothic palace for the counts of Holland – part of the holy roman empire at the time. These days it houses the Prime Minister’s office and the general meeting rooms of both houses of parliament. The new parliament is seated, but we’re still waiting for the government to be announced. It takes a while to reach agreement between the many parties with seats in parliament :-).
Steve calls these extraordinary works of art at the Art Institute of Chicago ‘Dollhouses’ – Sam & I call them miniatures. They are simply exquisite and amazing. And a revelation to me, made entirely or mostly by clearly remarkable women in the early 20th century, if I recall correctly. Note the intentional semi-self-portrait in the mirror, above. And yes, I was gazing into this miniature scene through a window. 🙂
(so much world, so little time....) 