Artus Quellinus - Sculptor of Amsterdam

Sculptor from Amsterdam

Artus Quellinus (1609 – 1668) is one of the most influential sculptors of the seventeenth century. Quellinus, born in Antwerp, was asked by the Amsterdam city council to decorate the new city hall of Amsterdam, the current Royal Palace, after his stay in Rome. He made some of its most iconic sculptures, such as the famous Atlas, refined sculptures in the richly decorated Burgerzaal and narrative reliefs in 'the Night Watch of sculpture': De Vierschaar . At that time, he proudly carried the honorary title of Sculptor of Amsterdam. Quellinus' impressive works show his exceptional talent for capturing movement and emotion in different materials. He was able to capture the softness of human skin or fabric in detail. With his work in the Amsterdam city hall, this master of 'living marble' gave an enormous boost to sculpture in the Netherlands and beyond.

Masterpieces that rarely or never travel

The exhibition presents a large selection of works of art from national and international museums, churches and private collections. Small, intimate sculptures in ivory, wood and terracotta are shown alongside marble works of impressive size. From early works in the dynamic, expressive style of Rubens to monumental projects for churches and princes. For instance: the 'Saint Peter' from the Saint Andrew's Church in Antwerp and 'Pallas Athene' from Museum Kurhaus Kleve, which for one time only leave their permanent location. The Rijksmuseum is providing no fewer than 60 objects and sculptures to present Quellinus' oeuvre in all its versatility.

Collaboration between the Royal Palace Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum

A retrospective exhibition of the work of Artus Quellinus has been a great wish of both the Royal Palace Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum for years. It is a perfect collaboration. While the Palace houses Artus Quellinus' magnum opus, the Rijksmuseum manages the largest collection of artworks, terracotta models and a large number of sketches that Quellinus made as preliminary studies or display models for his work in the city hall. Current art historical and material-technical research by the Rijksmuseum into Quellinus' life, work and his studio practice form the scientific basis for the exhibition and the publication by the Rijksmuseum.

The exhibition Artus Quellinus – Sculptor of Amsterdam will open on 18 June 2025 at the Royal Palace Amsterdam. In the run-up to the opening, more details will follow about the expected masterpieces, special events, guided tours or family activities. Art lovers can already prepare for an encounter with one of the greatest sculptors of the seventeenth century.

This exhibition is made possible by the Mondriaan Fund, Don Quixote Foundation, Zabawas, the Cultural Fund and the Bert and Joos Mastenbroek Fund/Rijksmuseum Fund.