Rijksmuseum Amsterdam to Showcase Earliest Dutch Photographs of Japan
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is set to present a unique exhibition featuring the earliest known photographs taken by a Dutch visitor to Japan. From July 1 to September 4, 2022, the museum's Photography Gallery will host "Early Photographs of Japan," offering a rare glimpse into 19th-century Japan through the lens of Antoon Bauduin.
These historically significant images, captured around 1865, narrowly escaped destruction in a house fire before their rediscovery. The collection provides an intimate look at a pivotal moment in Japan's history as it began to open its borders, marking the conclusion of the Netherlands' unique centuries-long exclusive trading relationship with the country. In 2016, Bauduin's heirs generously donated 121 photographs to the Rijksmuseum, ensuring their preservation and restoration for future generations. The upcoming exhibition will feature approximately 50 of these carefully restored works.
A Physician's Perspective on a Changing Nation
Antoon Bauduin (1820-1885) arrived in Japan in 1862, invited by the Japanese government to teach at the Nagasaki Yojosho Medical School. His brother, Albert (1829-1890), was also working in Japan for the Netherlands Trading Society on Dejima. For centuries, the Netherlands had been the sole Western nation with trading access to Japan, a privilege that began to erode after 1859 when other Western powers gained access to Japanese ports.
Photography was a relatively new and complex medium when the Bauduin brothers arrived. Antoon's photographs document his colleagues, students, friends, and the landscapes of Nagasaki and its surroundings. His portraits stand out for their personal touch; knowing his subjects allowed for a more relaxed and authentic depiction than typically found in professional studio shots of the era. The collection includes diverse scenes such as ships in Nagasaki Bay, samurai, and farmers, alongside a self-portrait of Bauduin with a Japanese colleague. The brothers also acquired photographs during their travels, which complement Antoon’s own extensive work.
Rediscovery and Preservation for Amsterdam Visitors
After the Bauduin brothers left Japan in the 1870s, their photographic collection remained with their family. It was not until a house fire in 1985, which a protective chest miraculously shielded the photographs from, that these remarkable images were rediscovered. Their donation to the Rijksmuseum in 2016 has allowed for their meticulous restoration, making it possible for the public to experience this extraordinary historical archive for the first time.
Visitors seeking to explore unique historical collections and photographic insights into global cultures can discover more about the Rijksmuseum and other cultural highlights on Musemap (musemap.art). To see what exhibitions are currently running, browse our what's on guide, or explore other museums in Amsterdam.
