By: Dean Gregory, to Museum Spotlight Europe (September 2019)
Several cities in the Netherlands have organized a handful of exhibits at Joods Historisch Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, Rijksmuseum, Mauritshuis and Museum de Lakenhal to honor the Dutch master. From Amsterdam and Leiden, to The Hague, visitors can explore his work during this seminal anniversary.
Rembrandt van Rijn: The Dutch Master
Exemplifying the 17th century “Golden Age” of the Dutch Empire, Rembrandt van Rijn emerged as the greatest Old Master of the time period. Originating from Leiden, Holland, in 1606, Rembrandt excelled as a painter, etcher and draftsman. Influenced by Rubens and van Dyck, Rembrandt was a relentless observer; this skill nurtured his adept use of light, space and textures in his work.
Celebrate Rembrandt in Amsterdam
Within the Dutch capital, a medley of exhibitions celebrate the master painter. At Joods Historisch Museum, visit the special exhibition and view the painting St. Peter in Prison (also known as St. Peter Kneeling). On loan from the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, this painting was completed in 1631 in Leiden. An original oil sketch of Joseph’s dreams is displayed alongside the painting. The exhibition takes place from September 13 through November 10, 2019. Located in central Amsterdam, Joods Historisch Museum serves as a hallmark in the old Jewish quarter of the city.
At the nearby Rembrandt House Museum, a special exhibition titled Rembrandt Laboratory: Rembrandt’s Technique Unraveled explores processes utilized by Rembrandt in his paintings, etchings and drawings. The interactive exhibition bridges art and science using the latest innovations in x-ray technology. The exhibition takes place from September 21, 2019 until February 16, 2020.
Across town, at the esteemed Rijksmuseum, a special partnership with Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain presents a unique exhibition featuring Rembrandt and Velázquez, titled Rembrandt-Velázquez: Dutch and Spanish Masters. In addition, works from Hals, Murillo, Vermeer and Zurbarán are on display. The exhibition begins October 11, 2019 and lasts until January 19, 2020.
The Hague
Approximately one hour southwest of Amsterdam, The Hague is commemorating Rembrandt through an exhibition at the Mauritshuis museum. The exhibition, Rembrandt and the Mauritshuis, features 18 paintings until September 15, 2019. Notable works include The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632) and a late self-portrait.
Leiden
North of The Hague in Leiden, Museum de Lakenhal features the exhibition, Young Rembrandt – Rising Star. Occurring from November 2, 2019 to February 9, 2020, the exhibition showcases 40 paintings, 70 etchings and 10 drawings. Highlights include Rembrandt’s self portrait, completed in 1628 on loan from the Rijksmuseum. The Man in Oriental Costume (‘The Noble Slav”) from the Metropolitan Museum in New York will also be on display. Centrally located in Leiden, the museum is easily accessible via pedestrian walkways and public transportation routes.
Image bequest of William K. Vanderbilt, 1920 via Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY.
Rembrandt’s oeuvre influenced both contemporary and successive art masters, paying homage to his legacy through their own work. Vincent van Gogh characterized his fellow countryman as peculiar: “Rembrandt goes so deep into the mysterious that he says things for which there are no words in any language. It is with justice that they call Rembrandt—magician—that’s no easy occupation.”
Image by H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 via Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY.
