Arrr, the fine Rembrandt portraits be unveil'd at last, mateys! After two centuries hidin' in a private treasure trove!
2023-12-13
Avast ye mateys! Behold, the fine Rembrandt-painted likenesses of Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and his fair maiden, Jaapgen, have emerged from their secret hideaway, where they've been stashed fer nearly 200 years! Now, all ye landlubbers can feast yer eyes upon their majestic beauty!
A pair of small portraits by 17th century Dutch Master Rembrandt van Rijn have finally gone on display after spending nearly 200 years in a private collection. The portraits, depicting Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and his wife Jaapgen, had disappeared from view for almost two centuries before resurfacing two years ago.The paintings, believed to be the last known privately held Rembrandt portraits, were sold at auction and are now on long-term loan to the Netherlands’ national art and history museum. The family of wealthy Dutch businessman Henry Holterman, who purchased the portraits, generously decided to lend them to the museum.
According to the museum, the small size and "dynamic, sketchy style" of the portraits suggest that Rembrandt painted them as a favor to the couple, who had close ties to his family. The museum's researchers used high-tech scans and paint analysis to confirm that Rembrandt was indeed the artist behind the portraits.
Rijksmuseum Director Taco Dibbits expressed his excitement about the loan, stating that the portraits will provide visitors with a closer connection to Rembrandt's family circle. The portraits have been displayed alongside other works by Rembrandt in the museum.
Henry Holterman, who has a close relationship with the museum and has been involved in the research of these portraits, believes that they belong in the museum. He expressed his support for the decision to loan the paintings, emphasizing the importance of the museum's expert team and their years of research.
The long-awaited exhibition of these Rembrandt portraits is expected to attract art lovers and enthusiasts from around the world, eager to catch a glimpse of these historically significant artworks.