Spotlight on Rijksmuseum’s Masterpieces
While the Rijksmuseum’s main building is undergoing major restoration work, the museum is taking the opportunity to turn the spotlight on some of its prize pieces as part of its Golden Age Masterpieces exhibit housed in the new Philips Wing.
Rijksmuseum Masterpieces
Feast your eyes on the Rijksmuseum's fabulous collection of Golden Age art and objects. You 'll ooh and ah as you're taken past sumptuous portraits painted by Dutch masters, such as Frans Hals’s Wedding Portrait and Rembrandt’s the Jewish Bride. View the luxurious period furnishings on display, such as the tortoiseshell inlaid wooden cabinets, as well as the beautiful Delftware porcelain items, such as the surprising Delftware violin. And not to be missed are Hendrick Avercamp's much loved winter landscapes.
Exhibition highlights
The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn
One of the most renowned paintings in the world, this depiction of a troop of militiamen is Rembrandt’s largest painting. Ever since it was completed in 1642, the painting has been a source of conflict, amazement, mystery, admiration, vandalism and analysis – which means it just has to be seen at least once. Numerous other works by Rembrandt are also on display, including the Anatomical Lesson of Dr. Deyman, Syndics of the Drapers' Guild and Self Portrait as the Apostle Paul.
The Doll's House
The famous 17th century doll's house was commissioned by a wealthy woman, Petronella Oortman. She filled the doll's house with pieces commissioned from the best furniture-makers and artists, such as walnut cabinets and a four-poster bed complete with the finest linens. So much money was spent on the doll's house that it would have been as expensive as a real house in Amsterdam! The doll's house with its fascinating miniatures serves as an excellent replication of wealthy households at the time.
The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer
This portrait of a Dutch kitchen maid is anything but humble. The painting is small but incredibly powerful and features a fascinating use of light and shadow. With quiet concentration, a woman stands near a window pouring milk into a bowl. The light falls on her hands; her silhouette is dark against the white wall. This painting is certainly one of the Rijksmuseum’s finest attractions. Vermeer fans will also enjoy his other works on display, such as the Love Letter, Woman in Blue Reading a Letter and The Little Street.
The Merry Family by Jan Steen
Since Steen was a narrative painter, he attempted to tell a story in his paintings, borrowing subjects from mythology, the Bible, but also from daily life. Best known for his convivial and disorderly family scenes, it’s thanks to him that the Dutch have the phrase “a Jan Steen household”. Some of his other works included in the exhibition are the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the Drunken Pair and Children Teaching a Cat to Dance.
Home to so many of the world’s most revered works of art, the Rijksmuseum is a must-see for any visitor.
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