Long-Lost Sculptures by Carel Visser Return to Rijksmuseum Gardens in Amsterdam
As of September 3, 2024, visitors to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam can experience two monumental abstract sculptures by renowned Dutch artist Carel Visser (1928-2015) in the museum's public gardens. These works, titled Signal 1 and Signal 2, mark their first public appearance in nearly a quarter-century. The museum has also acquired two maquette models of the sculptures, crafted by Visser in 1961, which are slated for exhibition in the 20th-century galleries on the third floor starting in November.
Experiencing Carel Visser's 'Signal' Works in Amsterdam
The two identical lead-clad steel structures, Signal 1 and Signal 2, stand at impressive heights of four and six metres respectively, making them a prominent feature in the Rijksmuseum Gardens. One sculpture is rotated 180 degrees relative to the other, creating a dynamic interplay of rectangular surfaces and volumes. Each piece rests on a round tube atop a square concrete base. Their design draws influence from the De Stijl movement of the 1920s, a style that artists, designers, and architects in the 1950s and 60s reinterpreted to modernize post-war Dutch aesthetics. Visser's sculptures exemplify this artistic evolution, offering a striking example of 20th-century Dutch art.
The History and Restoration of Carel Visser's 'Signal' Series
Originally commissioned in 1964 by the Postal Cheque and Giro Service (part of the PTT, the Dutch postal, telegraph, and telephone company), Signal 1 and Signal 2 once flanked the entrance of the service’s headquarters in The Hague. The building was designed by Rotterdam architects Van den Broek and Bakema. Over time, the bond between the steel structure and its lead cladding weakened, leading to the lead being removed and the steel coated with lead-coloured paint in 1980. The sculptures vanished from public view in 2000 when the office building was demolished.
Rijksmuseum curators embarked on a thorough search, eventually tracing the statues to a crane and transportation company's premises. The museum committed to restoring the sculptures to their original 1964 condition. This extensive process involved in-depth research into methods for permanently bonding lead to steel. Under the guidance of Rijksmuseum metal conservators, the 1980s paint layer was removed, the steel structure preserved, and lead meticulously glued to the steel—an innovative approach to lead cladding. Corner seams were welded rather than soldered, and the lead was patinated to maintain its industrial appearance. Original construction drawings and historical photographs guided the reconstruction of the concrete bases. Carel Visser's son, Harm Visser, also provided valuable consultation on aesthetic decisions during the restoration, ensuring the artist's vision was faithfully upheld. The acquisition and restoration of these works, along with the two maquettes, were made possible through a donation by KPN.
Carel Visser's Legacy at the Rijksmuseum
Carel Visser was a leading figure in Dutch sculpture during the early 1960s. Building on the foundations laid by artists like Constantin Brancusi and Alberto Giacometti, Visser developed a distinct, highly abstract and minimalist geometric style in the 1950s. His work garnered national and international recognition, leading to numerous exhibitions and public commissions. The Rijksmuseum already features Visser's Eight Stacked Beams (1964) as part of its permanent collection, and these newly acquired Signal sculptures further enrich the museum's representation of his influential work. The accompanying maquettes, likely created in 1961, offer insight into Visser's design process, showcasing his journey from small-scale models to monumental public art.
This significant addition enhances the Rijksmuseum's outdoor collection, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation of 20th-century Dutch sculpture. To discover more about cultural offerings in Amsterdam and plan your next visit, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for other local museums or view what's currently on.
