The inventory of Michael Meyer’s property (1758) as a reflection of a Tallinn (Reval) merchant’s material world during the Age of the Enlightenment

Abstract

The inventory of Tallinn merchant Michael Meyer’s (1704–1758) property is one of the largest inventories of an 18th century citizen of Tallinn. Almost the entire world of his possessions is reflected in this unique source. The inventory provides a comprehensive picture of his success, lifestyle, and hobbies, and the diverse list of household items provides a good idea of a prosperous merchant’s home in northeast Europe in the 18th century. The unique body of sources (Michael Meyer’s will, property inventory, and auction reports) provides comprehensive insight into the development of Tallinn’s material culture, i.e., the material culture history of Northern Europe, during the century of Enlightenment.

Keywords

• probate inventories
• Enlightenment
• Tallinn (Reval)
• merchants
• Michael Meyer
• luxury