Francisco de Zurbarán, “Agnus Dei”, 1635 – 1640.
Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.
Rembrandt and Velázquez. Dutch and Spanish masters ‘Rembrandt and Velázquez: Dutch and Spanish masters’: In partnership with the Museo Nacional del Prado (Madrid), the Rijksmuseum presents an outstanding selection of paintings by Dutch and Spanish masters of the 17th century, including some of the greatest pieces by, amongst others, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Murillo and Hals, Zurbarán and Vermeer. 11 October 2019 to 19 January 2020.]]>
Source: Rijksmuseum
The 17th century can be regarded as the Golden Age of both the Netherlands and Spain; a period of tremendous artistic achievement that saw the emergence of two of the greatest painters in history, Rembrandt and Velázquez. Leading artists of their respective lands, Rembrandt and Velázquez lived together with many other painters that enjoyed great reputation at that time.
In the exhibition, paintings of highly-renowned masters are displayed in pairs, combining two works by each country, to explore, for the first time, stimulating and often surprising dialogues that inevitably arise between the works. During a time of war and political tension, the Dutch and Spanish painting traditions seemed to come closer than it is generally thought. By pairing the paintings together, the exhibition sheds light on these common points, although sometimes the differences might seem stronger than the similarities. Each pair has a story behind, which can be centered around religion, faith, wealth, power, specific iconographical motifs, light and composition.
The exhibition invites the audience to welcome any perception, thought or feeling they might have when contemplating the pairs. It offers visitors the unique opportunity to be part of many encounters between Dutch and Spanish paintings; to see the differences in them, but also their similarities, and ultimately enjoy the beauty of the overall selection, which surely will leave no one indifferent.
Related content
Late Rembrandt at Rijksmuseum – Amsterdam celebrates its most famous artist (exhibition, 2015)
Follow us on:
