Exploring Gender in Art and History: The Rijksmuseum's New 'Point of View' Exhibition in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is set to open a significant summer exhibition, "Point of View," delving into how ideas about gender have evolved in Western Europe from the 16th to the 21st century. Running from July 5 to September 1, 2024, this exhibition draws from the museum's extensive collection to present approximately 150 works, inviting visitors to reflect on historical and contemporary perceptions of gender.
Curated by Maria Holtrop, Charles Kang, and Marion Anker, the exhibition is located in the Phillips Wing. It aims to demonstrate the varied and evolving nature of gender concepts over time, as reflected not only in art but also in everyday objects.
What to Expect at the 'Point of View' Exhibition
Visitors to "Point of View" will encounter a diverse array of items including paintings, drawings, photographs, furniture, and accessories. These objects are presented through ten question-based themes, prompting viewers to consider inquiries such as "Is there such a thing as a male pose?" or "Does gender define what you wear?".
Highlights from the collection include a 17th-century portrait of a four-year-old William of Orange depicted wearing a skirt, illustrating historical norms where young children, regardless of gender, often wore similar garments. Other intriguing pieces range from a flamboyant gold dragon-shaped toothpick to a glass adorned with copulating roosters, showcasing the subtle and overt ways gender ideas permeate cultural artifacts.
The exhibition also features works by notable artists such as Gesina ter Borch, Marlene Dumas, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Erwin Olaf. It shines a light on historical figures and artists whose identities and expressions challenged conventional gender roles, including Queen Christina of Sweden, who was portrayed in both feminine and masculine forms. A significant addition is the long-term loan of Jean-Laurent Mosnier's painting of Chevalier/Chevalière d’Éon, a celebrated diplomat and spy known for living fifty years as a man and thirty as a woman, highlighting fluidity across centuries.
Public Programs and Educational Initiatives
Beyond the main display, the Rijksmuseum offers additional opportunities for engagement. A collaboration with photographer Bete van Meeuwen and ten college students presents contemporary portraits exploring personal meanings of gender, with a broader selection available on the museum's website and at the Teekenschool, the Rijksmuseum’s education center.
Visitors interested in a deeper dive can join a guided tour titled "A Pink History," which explores queer history in the Netherlands as reflected in art, concluding within the "Point of View" exhibition. These tours are available in both Dutch and English for an additional fee of €7.50 per person, running from July 5 to August 4.
"Point of View" is made possible through support from Fonds 21 and the Rijksmuseum Club, and developed in collaboration with external experts including COC Netherlands and Lilith Agency.
To discover more about current happenings at the Rijksmuseum and other cultural spots in Amsterdam, explore Musemap (musemap.art) or browse the full list of museums in Amsterdam. You can also check out other exhibitions currently on view.
