Permanent loan: Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam shows the smallest Rembrandt portraits
The two small paintings are the smallest known portraits by the 17th century Dutch master, who was primarily known for his much larger works.
An expert from the London auction house Christie's found the two portraits, which are believed to date from 1635, by chance a few years ago during a routine appraisal in the private collection of a British family. In his estimation, they were the last two known portraits by the Dutch master that were still in private hands.
At an auction in July, the portraits were purchased by businessman Henry Holterman and his family, who have now made them available to the Rijksmuseum on permanent loan. "The Rijksmuseum has the largest and most representative Rembrandt collection in the world," explained Holterman. "I have the feeling that these works belong in the museum."
Experts from the Rijksmuseum examined the paintings using X-rays, infrared radiation and color sample analysis to prove that the portraits were actually painted by Rembrandt. According to the museum, they were also painted in a style similar to other Rembrandt paintings from the same period, "especially the construction of the facial features and the loose brushwork".
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- Initially discovered during a routine appraisal at a British family's private collection, the two smallest Rembrandt portraits were believed to be in the possession of only two private collectors worldwide, as confirmed by an expert from Christie's Auction House.
- Remarkably, following an auction in July, the two precious paintings were purchased by Dutch businessman Henry Holterman and his family, who opted to loan them permanently to the esteemed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
- The Rijksmuseum, known for its vast and comprehensive collection of Rembrandt's works, hailed the acquisition of the portable paintings as an opportunity to showcase some of the smallest Rembrandt portraits, further adding to its already impressive collection.
- In an attempt to certify the authenticity of these Rembrandt portraits, the Rijksmuseum utilized multiple investigative methods such as X-rays, infrared radiation and color sample analysis, revealing similarities in style and technique to other Rembrandt works from the same era.
- Indicating a sense of philanthropy and devotion to the cultural legacy, Christie's Auction House also agreed to support the Rijksmuseum's acquisition by offering the portraits at a highly competitive price, ultimately helping them secure these valuable works for the public to appreciate and enjoy in Amsterdam.
Source: www.stern.de
