From October 11, 2019, until January 19, 2020, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, in partnership with the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, will display the works of Rembrandt, Velázquez and their contemporaries. The exhibition celebrates the 200-year anniversary of the Prado, as well as The Year of Rembrandt, marking 350 years since Rembrandt’s death.

Rembrandt & Velázquez exhibition: Dutch and Spanish masters

Dutch and Spanish masters of the 17th century are immortalised in their world-famous, masterful paintings. The 17th century can be referred to as the Golden Age in both Spain and the Netherlands, and the art world has plenty to show for it. 

What’s more, the Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn and the Spanish painter Diego Velázquez are equally hailed as heroes of art in their respective countries. To have masterpieces by the two artists on display together in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is a special moment in this year’s cultural calendar. 

Dutch and Spanish paintings displayed in pairs

In the exhibition, the paintings will be shown in pairs. Each pair will consist of a Spanish and a Dutch artwork, to compare the interplay, dialogues, comparisons and contrasts that arise between the paintings. The pairings are set to shed light on religion, faith, wealth, power, motifs and composition of the era.

At the time, both countries were experiencing turmoil, war and political tensions, therefore some of the dialogues sparked between the paintings will come through as thoroughly fascinating. The Dutch artists represented in the exhibition are Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals. The Spanish artists include Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Zubarán and Bartolome Murillo. 

Plan your visit

Book your tickets online in advance. Take a look at the Rijksmuseum website for more information about the Rembrandt & Velazquez exhibition.