Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Appoints New 19th-Century Paintings Curator and Expands Focus on Women in Art
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is undergoing key developments in its curatorial team, with Mayken Jonkman appointed as the new Curator of 19th-Century Paintings. This change, effective March 1, 2023, also allows Jenny Reynaerts, the previous curator, to dedicate her full attention to the "Women of the Rijksmuseum" initiative, deepening the museum's research into women's contributions to art and history.
Mayken Jonkman Leads 19th-Century Painting Collection at Rijksmuseum
Mayken Jonkman brings extensive expertise to her new role at the Rijksmuseum. Previously the Senior Curator of 19th-Century Art at the Netherlands Institute for Art History (RKD) in The Hague, Jonkman specializes in 19th-century Dutch art within an international context. Her ongoing PhD research explores the impact of Dutch artists in Paris from 1775 to 1914.
Her published works have covered diverse aspects of 19th-century art, including the art market, collecting practices, studio environments, and the representation of artists. Jonkman has also curated significant exhibitions, such as "The Dutch in Paris" (shown at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, and Petit Palais, Paris, 2017-2018), "Beauty for Sale: Art Dealership Frans Buffa & Sons, 1790-1951" at Singer Laren (2015), and "Myths of the Artist’s Studio" at Teylers Museum, Haarlem (2010). She also lectures at VU University Amsterdam.
Taco Dibbits, director of the Rijksmuseum, noted that Jonkman's appointment will significantly enhance the Fine and Decorative Arts department, recognizing her as a highly respected art historian with deep knowledge of the 19th century and an extensive international network.
Rijksmuseum Expands Focus on Women in Art and History
Jenny Reynaerts, stepping into a dedicated role, will now chair the "Women of the Rijksmuseum" working group. This initiative focuses on examining the Rijksmuseum collection through a gender-based lens, specifically highlighting the history of women.
The research team aims to uncover new perspectives by studying female artists and subjects, allowing the museum to present a more comprehensive narrative in its collections, exhibitions, and displays. Beyond artistic works, the team also investigates the institutional history of the Rijksmuseum, recognizing the contributions of female benefactors, collectors, patrons, and key staff members.
Since its launch, the "Women of the Rijksmuseum" initiative has led to several specialized displays, including "Women on Paper" and "Japan Modern," which showcased modern Japanese prints collected by Elise Wessels. The team's efforts have also contributed to the acquisition of works by various female artists, such as Charley Toorop, Thérèse Schwartze, Sara de Swart, and George Sand. The Rijksmuseum hosts an annual symposium on this subject, with the 2023 edition, "Women in the Museum: Shattered Ceilings," held on March 7. Reynaerts’s dedicated position is supported by the Women of the Rijksmuseum Fund.
Director Taco Dibbits emphasized that Reynaerts's appointment and the dedicated research team will give greater visibility to women’s stories, ensuring this focus is not a temporary project but an embedded and enduring perspective within the museum.
To learn more about the Rijksmuseum's collections or explore other cultural institutions, visit Musemap (musemap.art). You can also discover current exhibitions at the museum or browse other museums in Amsterdam.
