Koopman met tattoo: Unveiling the Earliest Western European Tattoo Art at Huis Willet-Holthuysen

This mini-exhibition at Huis Willet-Holthuysen showcases the discovery of the earliest known tattoo in Western European art, found on a 17th-century painting. It explores the context and meaning behind this remarkable find, featuring the painting itself and objects from tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher's collection.

Recently, the Amsterdam Museum made a significant discovery: the earliest known depiction of a tattoo in Western European art. Found during a restoration of the painting "De Oppercommissarissen der Walen" (The High Commissioners of the Walloons), the tattoo is visible on the inner wrist of one of the depicted affluent merchants. This small presentation delves into the research surrounding this find, examining why a wealthy merchant would have such a tattoo and what its specific design signifies. While the investigation has yielded fascinating insights, some questions remain unanswered. To further explore the history of tattoos, the museum invited Amsterdam-based tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher, known for his extensive knowledge and collection of tattoo history and literature, to examine the tattoo. Schiffmacher, who had never before encountered such an early Amsterdam tattoo, contributed objects from his personal collection to this display. The painting "De Oppercommissarissen der Walen" and the selected items from Schiffmacher's collection are on view at Huis Willet-Holthuysen until August 30, 2026.

Tickets for this exhibition can be ordered online via the Amsterdam Museum ticket shop. Admission is linked to the general museum visit to Huis Willet-Holthuysen, with further information available on the museum's website. A related talk and panel discussion are also mentioned with separate information available.