Rembrandt's The Standard Bearer Joins Rijksmuseum Collection in Amsterdam After National Tour
Rembrandt van Rijn's significant 1636 masterpiece, The Standard Bearer, is set to become a permanent fixture in the Rijksmuseum's prestigious collection in Amsterdam. This acquisition follows an extensive year-long tour across the Netherlands, allowing communities nationwide to experience the painting before its final installation. The Dutch state acquired the artwork in January 2022, with support from the Rembrandt Association and the Rijksmuseum Fund.
National Tour Brings Masterpiece to Communities Before Amsterdam Display
Before its permanent residency in the capital, The Standard Bearer will embark on a unique journey, visiting 12 museums across 12 Dutch provinces. This initiative, running from May 2022 to May 2023, aims to make this national treasure accessible to as many people as possible. Each participating museum will host the painting for three weeks, and notably, will offer at least one day of free admission during its display period.
The tour itinerary includes:
- Fries Museum in Leeuwarden, Friesland (May 2022)
- Centraal Museum in Utrecht, Utrecht (June 2022)
- Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, North Holland (July 2022)
- Drents Museum in Assen, Drenthe (August 2022)
- Kunstlinie in Almere, Flevoland (September 2022)
- Het Noordbrabants Museum in Den Bosch, North Brabant (October 2022)
- Mauritshuis in The Hague, South Holland (November 2022)
- Rijksmuseum Twenthe in Enschede, Overijssel (December 2022)
- Museum Arnhem in Arnhem, Gelderland (January 2023)
- Zeeuws Museum in Middelburg, Zeeland (February 2023)
- Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, Limburg (March 2023)
- Groninger Museum in Groningen, Groningen (April 2023)
This grand tour of the Netherlands is facilitated by the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt Association, and the Vrienden Lottery.
A Landmark Acquisition for Dutch Art History
The Standard Bearer holds immense significance, widely recognized as the last major Rembrandt painting available to enter a public collection. Rijksmuseum General Director Taco Dibbits highlighted the importance of this addition: "Returning The Standard Bearer to our country has been a dream for many generations. The quality of the painting and the fact that it marks Rembrandt’s artistic breakthrough makes it an unparalleled work by the master: it is when Rembrandt became Rembrandt! We are grateful to the Dutch state, the Rembrandt Association and many private benefactors for making this possible." This artwork is celebrated for representing a pivotal moment in Rembrandt’s artistic development.
Permanent Display at the Rijksmuseum's Gallery of Honour
Upon the completion of its national tour, The Standard Bearer will take its permanent place in the Rijksmuseum, a key institution for art and history of the Netherlands. Visitors will find the masterpiece on ongoing display within the renowned Gallery of Honour, making it a central highlight for those exploring the museum's extensive collections. Alongside the exhibition, educational resources for various age groups and an accompanying book about the painting's acquisition and significance will be available.
This significant addition to the Rijksmuseum offers visitors a rare opportunity to engage with a pivotal work by Rembrandt. For those planning a trip to the city, discovering more about Amsterdam's rich cultural landscape, including its many museums, is easy with Musemap (musemap.art). You can explore other museums in Amsterdam or view them on the city map to plan your visit.
