Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Launches Major Research Initiative on Women in its Collection
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is embarking on a significant multi-year research program to highlight and re-evaluate the role of women within its extensive collection. This initiative is made possible by substantial private donations totaling €300,000, establishing the dedicated Women of the Rijksmuseum Fund. The program aims to create a more balanced representation of women, from artists to historical figures, both within the museum's displays and its broader narrative.
Uncovering Women's Contributions in Art and History
This comprehensive research will delve into various aspects of the museum's holdings. A primary focus is to identify and catalog all female artists represented, extending beyond paintings and sculptures to encompass hundreds of thousands of works on paper and crafted objects. Researchers will also explore the identities of women portrayed in the art, moving beyond generic descriptions such as "the wife of" to uncover their specific historical significance.
Furthermore, the program will investigate the origins of the Rijksmuseum collection itself, seeking to identify female collectors, patrons, benefactors, and staff who contributed to its development. The insights gained from this research are expected to enrich gallery information, online content, inform new acquisitions, and shape future exhibitions, symposiums, and publications.
Enriching the Visitor Experience with New Discoveries
Visitors to the Rijksmuseum can already see the impact of this focus on women. A painting by Catharina van Hemessen, one of history's early known female painters, has recently undergone restoration and is now integrated into the permanent display. The museum has also expanded its collection with works by notable female artists, including Charley Toorop's 1933 self-portrait and bronze chess pieces from 1923-25 by sculptor Saar de Swart.
Additionally, the Rijksmuseum Schiphol exhibition, titled Female Power, showcases prominent historical women such as the biblical heroine Judith and artist Rachel Ruysch, running until November 22, 2022. An online series on the Rijksmuseum Stories platform, featuring Cathelijne Blok of The TittyMag, also launched on March 8, 2022, spotlighting important women from the collection.
International Symposium: Women in the Museum
To further explore this vital area, the Rijksmuseum hosted an international symposium titled "Women in the Museum: Best Practices" on March 8, 2022. This event brought together experts in female cultural history to discuss topics such as women's roles in the art world, female perspectives on museum objects, and overlooked areas in feminist art history.
Speakers included writer and sociologist Jolande Withuis, who presented on Jeanne Bieruma Oosting, and Denise Murrell, a curator from The Metropolitan Museum, New York, who discussed black female artists and models around 1900. The symposium offered both in-person attendance at the Rijksmuseum and an online viewing option for a wider audience. More details about the symposium can be found on the Rijksmuseum website.
This significant commitment to researching and promoting women within its collection underscores the Rijksmuseum's dedication to a more inclusive historical narrative. Such initiatives are crucial for broadening our understanding of art and culture. To discover more about the Rijksmuseum's offerings or explore other cultural spots in Amsterdam, consider checking what's on during your visit to the city, or explore more museums in Amsterdam through Musemap (musemap.art).
