On 17 January 2020, Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden announced the acquisition of Gerrit Dou’s Artist in His Studio from a British private collection. Painted in ca. 1632, this early work of Rembrandt’s first pupil shows the influence of Rembrandt had on Dou as well as Dou’s own quickly developing talent. The painting might be the first work that Dou created as an independent artist. The subject was taken after Rembrandt’s Artist in His Studio, now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Gerard Dou (1613-1675), The Artist in His Studio, ca. 1632
Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden
The acquisition of The Artist in His Studio was made possible entirely through private gifts. The painting is on display in the exhibition Young Rembrandt – Rising Star until 9 February, after which the exhibition travels to the Ashmolean Museum where it opens on 27 February 2020. Dou’s painting returns to Leiden in June where it will enter the permanent exhibit on Rembrandt and the Leiden fijnschilders.
See this news item on Museum De Lakenhal’s website (in Dutch) for additional information about the painting.