A fresh exhibit in Amsterdam has gathered 75 paintings from the
Leiden Collection
, an impressive collection of artwork from the
Dutch Golden Age
. Key highlights of the exhibition feature 18 artworks by
Rembrandt van Rijn
including an illustration of a lion that will be auctioned off to support wildlife preservation initiatives.
The H’ART Museum’s “
From Rembrandt to Vermeer: Treasures From the Leiden Collection
” highlights the inaugural exhibition where an unprecedented number of artworks from the Leiden Collection—including all 18 of its Rembrandts—are being showcased publicly in the Netherlands for the first time. The collection belongs to these art enthusiasts.
Thomas and Daphne Kaplan
, the over 200 paintings and sketches make up one of the globe’s most extensive personal accumulations of 17th-century Dutch artwork, as stated by the source.
statement
.
“The concept emerged with the aim of showcasing all the Rembrandt paintings from this exceptional collection in the Dutch capital, as part of celebrating Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary,” explains Annabelle Birnie, who serves as the general director at the H’ART Museum.
DutchNews
‘Senay Boztas said, “This remarkable collaboration with the Leiden Collection allows us to present these incredible artworks to the city and the people of the Netherlands.”‘
Born in the Dutch city of Leiden in 1606, Rembrandt earned recognition as one of the Netherlands’ most renowned artists during his lifetime. Known for his distinctive style, he remains celebrated today.
dramatic treatment
of illumination and darkness, especially in ensemble photographs like
The Dissection Teaching Session Led by Doctor Nicolaes Tulp
(1632) and
The Night Watch
(1642).
The character and essence of the Dutch people, evident in their portraiture, form a significant part of this exhibit,” states the museum in the release. “As visitors move through the display, they repeatedly encounter the unyielding spirit of the Dutch people, particularly when admiring Rembrandt’s meticulously crafted portraits of the affluent.
burgers
, but also during his expressive performances
tronies
(studies focusing on individuals) of both genders across various socioeconomic backgrounds.”
Rembrandt is also famous for his extensive collection of self-portraits, which were coveted by many collectors of his day. As Thomas Kaplan tells
DutchNews
The renowned Dutch painter “likely created more self-portraits than any other artist.”
It wasn’t because he was egotistical; rather, it was due to him being famous, and his portraits were quite popular,” Kaplan explains. “Should you have a self-portrait of Rembrandt hanging on your wall, it would be just as significant for someone from the Netherlands as owning one.
Andy Warhol
Campbell’s Soup Can
, or a
Cy Twombly
.”
Nevertheless, Rembrandt did not limit himself to just portraits—occasionally, he also depicted animals.
Young Lion Resting
(1638-42), currently exhibited at the H’ART, shows a large feline resting with a collar around its neck. The animal has its forepaws overlapped, and its gaze is directed straightforward.
Young Lion Resting
The initial Rembrandt piece Kaplan bought was particularly meaningful to the collector, as he co-founded
Panthera
In 2006, an entity was established with the mission of safeguarding seven species of large felines. The following year, his intention is to liquidate some assets.
Young Lion Resting
At auctions, donating the revenue to the group.
“Conserving wildlife is the one passion that exceeds my love for Rembrandt, and I aim to draw more individuals towards this cause,” he shares with the media.
Art Newspaper
’s Martin Bailey.
Rembrandt probably saw the lion at an Amsterdam zoo.
menagerie
—A touring exhibit featuring animals transported from North Africa to the Netherlands aboard trade vessels
Dutch East India Company
. Per the
Art Newspaper
, the artist might have subsequently employed the animal’s image in depictions of
St. Jerome
, who is frequently portrayed with a lion (since he allegedly pulled out a thorn from its paw).
As Kaplan tells the
Art Newspaper
Rembrandt “infuses more inner vitality into a cat than many artists can convey through a human.”
“
From Rembrandt to Vermeer: Treasures From the Leiden Collection
will be on display at the H’ART Museum in Amsterdam until August 24, 2025.