In continuation of our tour of notable museums in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, one museum one should not overlook is the Rijks. Although the Rijks Museum holds a noteworthy collection of Asian sculpture, the main focus here is the Dutch/Flemish culture. Paintings, tapestries, industrial arts (e.g., clothing, ceramics and metalwork,) and what I call domestic arts of woodworked kitchen, living and sleeping room furniture represent Netherland lives through time. From festive village gatherers to Dutch Colony tradesmen to Netherland fashionistas, this museum has them all in the walls of the Rijks.
Famous painters you find at the Rijks:
Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) – top ten artist who lived in Amsterdam from 1631 until his death
Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) – see “Women Reading A Letter” with Vermeer’s trademark lapis lazuli blue color
Frans Hals (1582-1666) – classic portraitist – see “Portrait of a Man” in the video; this “Dutch Master” painter has his own museum in Haarlem, The Netherlands (more on this later)
Gerrit Berckheyde (1638-1698) – original inventor of the cityscape painting, represented here in the “Golden Bend”
David Teniers (1610-1690) – painter of the village celebrations (“Kermis”)
If time allows, check out the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam for an authentic taste of Dutch art (+Flemish, +16-17th C.)