Gedurfd verzamelen (Daring Patronage)

In a period when the majority of art collectors concentrated on the major classical names, three Jewish collectors had the courage to go against the grain and support relatively unknown artists. Gedurfd Verzamelen (Daring Patronage) at the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam presents a selection of works from three Jewish collectors: Andries van Wezel (1856-1921), Willem Wolff Beffie (1880-1950) and Salomon Slijper (1884-1971). The exhibition runs from 14 February to 16 May 2010.

Daringly dedicated
Gedurfd Verzamelen highlights the significant yet largely neglected role of these collectors in stimulating the collection of contemporary art in the Netherlands. Wezel, Wolff Beffie and Slijper were among the few collectors who recognised the importance of artists including Isaac Israels, George Breitner, Marc Chagall, Jan Sluijters, Leo Gestel, Alexej von Jawlensky, Paul Klee and Piet Mondriaan. Without their commitment and belief, it is unlikely that these artists would have been held in such high esteem nowadays.

Jewish Amsterdam
The exhibition provides an insight into the collectors and their accumulated paintings, but also into life in Jewish Amsterdam around the turn of the century. Significant developments in the diamond industry laid the foundations for economic success and the rise of a select group of prosperous Jewish bourgeoisie, whose ascent was reflected in increased social involvement and mobility and of course, refined art collections.