Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Announces Major Exhibitions: Vermeer, Crawly Creatures, and Clara the Rhinoceros
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has revealed an exciting lineup of exhibitions for 2022 and 2023, featuring a major retrospective of Dutch master Johannes Vermeer alongside two distinct autumn showcases. Visitors can look forward to a diverse program exploring art, nature, and history, drawing on collections from around the globe.
Exploring Nature's Small Wonders: Crawly Creatures at the Rijksmuseum
From September 30, 2022, to January 15, 2023, the museum will host "Crawly Creatures," an exhibition that delves into the evolving perception of insects, spiders, and amphibians in art and science. Once viewed with suspicion, these small beings later captivated figures like Albrecht Dürer, Wenzel Jamnitzer, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and Maria Sibylla Merian, who explored their beauty and complexity.
The exhibition will feature over a thousand items, including Dürer's early insect drawing from 1505 and Peter Paul Rubens's "Medusa" from 1617-18. It also highlights "sottobosco" forest-floor still life paintings by Otto Marseus van Schrieck and includes contemporary installations by artists Tomás Saraceno and Rafael Gomezbarros. Learn more about this fascinating exhibit on Crawly Creatures.
The Remarkable Journey of Clara the Rhinoceros in Amsterdam
Running concurrently with "Crawly Creatures" from September 30, 2022, to January 15, 2023, is "Clara the Rhinoceros." This exhibition tells the story of an Indian rhinoceros who became a celebrity across Europe after her arrival in 1741. Clara's unique presence challenged existing understandings of the natural world and inspired numerous artists.
The exhibit brings together approximately 60 objects, including paintings, drawings, medals, and statues, many rarely seen in the Netherlands. Highlights include Albrecht Dürer's pioneering 1515 print of a rhinoceros, Jean-Baptiste Oudry's life-size portrait of Clara from 1749, and Rossella Biscotti's 2016 installation. Discover more about Clara the Rhinoceros.
A Landmark Vermeer Retrospective in the Netherlands
From February 10 to June 4, 2023, the Rijksmuseum will host its first-ever retrospective devoted to the 17th-century master Johannes Vermeer. This highly anticipated exhibition promises to be the largest Vermeer show in history, bringing together loans from institutions worldwide. The Rijksmuseum itself contributes four Vermeer masterpieces, including the iconic Milkmaid and The Little Street.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort with the Mauritshuis in The Hague, with both museums undertaking research into Vermeer's artistic techniques and creative process. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see celebrated works such as The Girl with a Pearl Earring (Mauritshuis), The Geographer (Städel Museum), Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid (The National Gallery of Ireland), and Woman Holding a Balance (The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC) all in one place. Further details can be found regarding the Vermeer exhibition.
These diverse exhibitions offer significant cultural experiences for anyone visiting Amsterdam. To discover more cultural experiences in the city and find other engaging exhibitions, explore Musemap (musemap.art) and browse museums in Amsterdam or check what's on during your visit.
