Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Appoints Charles Kang as New Curator for 18th- and 19th-Century Drawings
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has announced the appointment of Charles Kang as its new Curator of 18th- and 19th-Century Drawings. He is set to begin his role on March 1, 2022, succeeding Robert-Jan te Rijdt, who will be retiring. This appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the museum's extensive collection of works on paper.
A New Vision for Historic Drawings in Amsterdam
Charles Kang's arrival is anticipated with enthusiasm by the museum's leadership. Taco Dibbits noted that Kang is a talented art historian known for his international experience and interdisciplinary approach to 18th-century art. Kang himself expressed honor at the opportunity to guide the museum’s rich collection, aiming to develop compelling narratives about Dutch drawing during a pivotal period of early modernity. He plans to explore its traditions and innovations within broader European and global contexts.
Charles Kang's Extensive Background and Expertise
Born in 1980, Charles Kang's academic journey includes studying art history at the University of Chicago (B.A.), Williams College (M.A.), and Columbia University (Ph.D.). His doctoral research focused on how the use of wax by 18th-century French artists influenced the definition of fine art. Before joining the Rijksmuseum, Kang held the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Art History Leadership at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Case Western Reserve University.
His professional experience also includes roles at the Williams College Museum of Art, where he co-curated an exhibition on drawing in 18th- and 19th-century France, The Frick Collection in New York, and the Max Planck Institute for Art History in Rome. Kang's research interests span various areas, including the interplay between drawing, natural history, and early ethnography, the role of drawing in object design, and its connection to gender inequality in artistic training.
The Esteemed Rijksmuseum Print Room Collection
As curator, Charles Kang will oversee a significant part of the Rijksmuseum Print Room. This collection is recognized globally as one of the top five repositories of works on paper, with a particular strength in 17th-century prints and drawings from an international perspective. The Print Room has also expanded its focus in recent years to include a comprehensive overview of 20th-century Dutch prints and drawings, alongside important 19th- and 20th-century photography. Overall, the collection houses more than 800,000 works on paper, making it a vital resource for art historical study and public engagement.
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