Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam Highlights Maria van Oosterwijck Masterpiece in Gallery of Honour
Visitors to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam can now experience a significant new addition to its prestigious Gallery of Honour: a rare still life by the celebrated 17th-century Dutch painter, Maria van Oosterwijck. Unveiled on March 4, 2025, this artwork is a powerful testament to the artist's skill and deeply personal beliefs.
Considered one of the most influential Dutch female artists of the 17th century, Maria van Oosterwijck (1630-1693) built an international reputation for her intricate flower still lifes. Her impressive clientele included monarchs such as Louis XIV of France and Emperor Leopold of Austria. Despite her renown, Van Oosterwijck's surviving body of work is notably small, with only around 30 pieces known today. The Rijksmuseum's acquisition, made possible through support from the Friends’ Lottery (VriendenLoterij) and the Women of the Rijksmuseum Fund, is particularly important as it brings a second of her precious works into Dutch public ownership.
Exploring Maria van Oosterwijck's 'Vanitas' Still Life
The newly displayed painting is a profound example of a 'vanitas' still life, a genre that encourages contemplation on the transient nature of worldly existence. At its heart lies a vibrant bouquet of flowers, complemented by objects rich with symbolic meaning, including a Bible, a skull, a jewellery box, and tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. These elements underscore the painting's strong religious significance, reflecting Van Oosterwijck's own devout background—both her father and grandfather were church ministers. The artist even provided an explanation of the work's meaning within the painting itself, on a sheet of paper in the foreground.
Following its acquisition in 2023, the artwork underwent thorough examination and restoration by the Rijksmuseum. This process revealed numerous changes made by Van Oosterwijck during its creation, such as overpainting an hourglass and a snake. The restoration carefully removed yellowed varnish and older overpaintings, bringing the masterpiece as close as possible to its original state for public viewing.
Spotlighting Women Artists in the Rijksmuseum Collection
The placement of Van Oosterwijck's work in the Gallery of Honour aligns with the Rijksmuseum’s ongoing "Women of the Rijksmuseum" research project. Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to permanently enhance the visibility of women artists and their stories within the museum's collection and displays. Through cataloguing, research, new acquisitions, and public programming like the annual "Women in the Museum" symposium, the project is reshaping how visitors engage with art history. The 2025 symposium, themed "Fabric of Fame," is supported by CHANEL and further demonstrates the museum's commitment to this important work.
The Rijksmuseum continues to diversify its collection with works by influential women artists, including Gesina ter Borch, Aleijda Wolfsen, and Carrie Mae Weems, among others. These efforts ensure that the rich contributions of women throughout art history are celebrated and accessible to all visitors.
To discover more about the extensive collections at this iconic institution or to find other cultural experiences in the city, explore the Rijksmuseum and other museums in Amsterdam through Musemap (musemap.art). You can also check what's on during your visit to find current exhibitions and events.
