CODART, Dutch and Flemish art in museums worldwide

Rembrandt & Co: dealing in masterpieces

Exhibition: 7 June - 3 September 2006

Organizer

Amsterdam, Rembrandt House

Curators

Friso Lammertse, curator of paintings, Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam
Jaap van der Veen, research curator, Rembrandt House, Amsterdam

Museum information

In 2006, the four hundredth anniversary of the birth of Rembrandt, Dulwich Picture Gallery is mounting an exhibition devoted to the business of Rembrandt’s art dealer, Hendrick Uylenburgh (c. 1584/9—1661) and his son Gerrit Uylenburgh (c. 1625—1679). Between 1625 and 1675 they operated as art dealers and as owners of an important painters’ workshop. This period coincides exactly with the Dutch Golden Age, when the art of painting achieved its greatest heights. The exhibition will show 19 Rembrandts from this period along with his contemporaries.

The contribution made by the Uylenburghs to this development can be understood from the roll-call of artists who worked for them or in their
workshop – Rembrandt, Govert Flinck, Jürgen Ovens and Gerard de Lairesse.

This exhibition explores, for the first time, the story of one of the most important art dealership in 17th-century Amsterdam. When Rembrandt settled in Amsterdam in 1631 he spent four years working in Hendrick Uylenburgh’s studio. There he met Hendrick’s cousin, Saskia Uylenburgh, who became his wife in 1634. During this period Rembrandt’s output underwent a major change: his etchings became larger and more ambitious, treating multi-figure religious scenes; he began to paint commissioned portraits.

Both Uylenburghs, father and son, played an active role in the international art business, buying international artists such as Anthony van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens and many others. Gerrit Uylenburgh’s London representative was none other than the court painter, Sir Peter Lely.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue by Friso Lammertse and Jaap van der Veen.

Dulwich Picture Gallery is the winner of the Independent Award for Britain’s Favourite Visitor Attraction – Museums & Heritage Awards for Excellence 2005

Venues

London, Dulwich Picture Gallery (7 June-26 April 2006)
Amsterdam, Rembrandt House (16 September-10 December 2006)