Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Features Women Artists in Historic Gallery of Honour
In a landmark decision, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has for the first time permanently integrated works by women artists into its renowned Gallery of Honour. This initiative highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of women to Dutch cultural history. Visitors can now discover paintings by Judith Leyster, Gesina ter Borch, and Rachel Ruysch displayed alongside masterpieces by celebrated 17th-century artists such as Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
The inclusion of these works marks a pivotal moment for the national museum, aiming to provide a more comprehensive representation of the Netherlands' artistic heritage. Taco Dibbits, Director of the Rijksmuseum, emphasized the importance of continuously examining and enriching the collection from fresh perspectives to tell a more complete story.
A New Perspective on Dutch Art History
This update is part of a broader research program launched by the Rijksmuseum. The program focuses on the roles of women in Dutch cultural history and their representation within the museum's extensive collection. Research endeavors include identifying female artists, detailing their biographies, and uncovering information about women depicted in art. The study also investigates the contributions of female collectors, patrons, donors, and curators who have shaped the museum's collection and institutional history.
Jenny Reynaerts, curator of 19th-century painting at the Rijksmuseum and chair of this research program, noted that while the permanent exhibition aims to illustrate Dutch culture through the centuries, the female perspective has been notably underrepresented. This new direction seeks to address this historical gap, both in the collection's composition and in documented knowledge.
For those interested in exploring these narratives further, the Rijksmuseum offers various Stories and a podcast dedicated to women in art and history.
Featured Works in the Gallery
Among the works now on permanent display in the Gallery of Honour are:
- The Serenade, painted in 1629 by Judith Leyster (1609-1666).
- Memorial Portrait of Moses ter Borch, a collaborative work from 1667/1669 by Gesina ter Borch (1633-1690) and her brother Gerard ter Borch (1617-1681).
- Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase, created by Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750) between approximately 1690 and 1720.
These additions ensure that the Rijksmuseum's iconic Gallery of Honour reflects a more inclusive and accurate view of the rich artistic landscape of the Netherlands.
To discover more about the Rijksmuseum and other cultural experiences in Amsterdam, visit Musemap (musemap.art). You can explore various museums or view them on the map to plan your next visit.
