Rembrandt´s painting Jacob blessing the sons of Joseph constitutes one of the major works of the Old Masters´ Gallery as well as one of the most prominent history paintings by the Dutch master, whose late works give an impressive demonstration of both his artistic maturity and narrative virtuosity.
From autumn 2014 until spring 2015, Rembrandt´s late work period will be at the focus of a major exhibition conceived in collaboration by the National Gallery in London and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. In support of this endeavour, the Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel has agreed, by way of exception and upon international request, to lend Rembrandt´s Jacob´s Blessing to the exhibition.
From autumn 2014 until spring 2015 the painting will therefore be shown first in London and later on in Amsterdam before permanently returning to Kassel, thus marking a singular and unrepeatable loan. The prominent place the painting holds within the collection will in the meantime be filled by Rembrandt´s equally prominent Belshazzar’s Feast, a loan granted in return by the National Gallery. Itself a highly famous history painting featured in every Rembrandt monograph, this painting bears testimony to Rembrandt´s artistic mastery during his early years in Amsterdam, capturing the devastating climax of a biblical drama of blasphemy and subsequent punishment. The Old Masters´ Gallery takes up this unique opportunity to bring together works by other artists devoted to the same subject matter. The cabinet exhibition will see three significant versions of the topic painted by Frans Francken, Pieter de Grebber and Rembrandt displayed together for the first time. Rembrandts closely related Tronie of a man in oriental costume, currently on loan from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, will fittingly round off the exhibition that will also be accompanied by a publication with contributions by Justus Lange, Sebastian Dohe and Anne Harmssen.