HAGUE.- After almost 200 years in a private collection, a pair of small portraits by 17th-century Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn went on display Wednesday on a long-term loan to the national museum of art and history of Netherlands.
The portraits of Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and his wife Jaapgen: “disappeared from view for almost two centuries, before resurfacing two years ago,” the Rijksmuseum said.
The paintings, believed to be the last known pair of private portraits made by Rembrandt, were sold at auction this year and given on long-term loan by the family of wealthy Dutch businessman Henry Holterman, the museum said.
“Given my close relationship with the museum and the fact that a team of experts has conducted research on these portraits for several years, I feel that these works belong to the museum,” Holterman said in a statement.
Importance for the museum
He museo He said that, due to their small size and dynamic, sketchy style, the portraits were probably painted by Rembrandt as a favor to the couple, who had close ties with their family since Jan and Jaapgen’s son Dominicus married the painter’s cousin, Cornelia Cornelisdr van Suytbroek.
Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits welcomed the loan, saying that the portraits will: “bring visitors closer to Rembrandt’s family circle.”
Museum researchers worked to establish that Rembrandt painted the portraits, which measure approximately 20 x 16.5 centimeters (8 x 6 inches), using high-tech scans and paint analysis.
“When taken together, the various research results constitute compelling evidence,” the museum said.
The portraits were placed alongside other works by Rembrandt.
Source: AP
