Rediscovered Rembrandt Portraits Now on View at Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is now home to two significant, newly attributed portraits by Rembrandt van Rijn, which have been out of public view for nearly two centuries. These small oval portraits, created in 1635, depict Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and Jaapgen Caerlsdr, and are now on long-term loan to the museum. Their display marks a notable addition to the museum's renowned collection of Dutch masters.
A Glimpse into Rembrandt's Family Circle
The subjects of these rediscovered paintings, Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and Jaapgen Caerlsdr, were a wealthy couple from Leiden. Jan was a slater and plumber, born in 1565 or 1566, making him 69 at the time of the portraits. Jaapgen, born in 1565, was 70. Their connection to Rembrandt is particularly noteworthy: their son, Dominicus, married Cornelia Cornelisdr van Suytbroek, who was Rembrandt's cousin, in 1624. This close familial bond suggests that Rembrandt may have painted these portraits as a personal favor, contributing to their intimate and dynamic style. These works are also significant as they represent the smallest formal portraits ever created by the artist.
The Journey of Rediscovery and Verification
The two small portraits resurfaced after approximately 200 years of being out of sight. Following their reappearance, the Rijksmuseum embarked on extensive research to confirm their authenticity and identify the sitters. This included detailed archival work and advanced technical examinations.
Archival research meticulously traced the provenance of the paintings, linking them to a 1760 auction where both the small oval portraits and larger copies were sold. Experts were able to conclusively determine the birth years of Jan and Jaapgen, confirming their ages at the time the portraits were painted, exactly as inscribed on the panels.
To verify Rembrandt's authorship, the museum conducted comprehensive technical research using methods such as X-radiography, infrared photography, macro X-ray fluorescence, and paint sample analysis. The results provided compelling evidence, revealing a bold and vigorous painting style consistent with Rembrandt's rapid execution in other portraits and tronies from 1634 onwards. The pigments used also match those frequently found in Rembrandt's work during that period, and similarities were observed in paint buildup, composition, and brushwork compared to other portraits from 1634 and 1635. The portraits were purchased by the Holterman family earlier this year and are now generously on long-term loan to the Rijksmuseum.
Experiencing the Portraits at the Rijksmuseum
Visitors to the Rijksmuseum can now see these compelling portraits of Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and Jaapgen Caerlsdr. They went on display starting December 13, 2023, and are exhibited in gallery 2.8, alongside other works by Rembrandt, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the artist's personal and professional world.
For those planning a visit to discover more of Amsterdam's rich cultural offerings, Musemap (musemap.art) provides insights into various art and history experiences. You can find more information about the Rijksmuseum and other cultural institutions by browsing our list of museums or exploring what's currently on exhibition.
