Birds symbolize freedom, beauty and love. But birds are also pets, a source of food or hunting trophies. The exhibition BIRDS delves into our enduring relationship with these creatures that we love, yet keep in cages. What does our relationship with birds tell us about how we treat the natural world?

Carel Fabritius’ 1645 painting The Goldfinch and British (art) historian Simon Schama bring birds from around the world to the Mauritshuis. The exhibition reflects on our relationship with birds through works by Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Tracey Emin, Iris van Herpen and many other artists. Dutch and Flemish artists represented include Rembrandt, Cornelis Bos, Arie de Vois, Hendrick Goltzius, and Peter Paul Rubens.