This lecture focuses on a remarkable new acquisition that has been on display at Museum De Lakenhal since 23 June 2026. The painting Standard-Bearer by the Leiden fine painter Bartholomeus Maton, dating from around 1675, was acquired by the Association of Friends of Museum De Lakenhal. During the lecture, they will take a closer look at this work and place it within the broader context of Leiden’s colonial history.

In the first part of the morning, the focus will be on the colonial past and explore the microhistories of Leiden that can be told across different social classes. Junior Curator Sjoerd Ramackers will share several stories about residents of Leiden. Using archival documents and objects from the collection of Museum De Lakenhal, he will provide insight into how colonial connections were deeply intertwined with every level of Leiden society.

In the second part of the morning, Janneke van Asperen, Curator of Old Masters, will present the museum’s new acquisition. Standard-Bearer was painted by the lesser-known fine painter Bartholomeus Maton, a student of Gerrit Dou who worked alternately in Leiden and Stockholm. The identity of the model depicted in the painting, and whether his roots lay in Africa, the Americas, or Europe, remains unknown. Janneke van Asperen will examine the work in greater depth. How was it painted? How does it relate to other representations of Black people from this period? And what place does this painting occupy within Maton’s body of work?

Practical Information

Date: Sunday, 5 July 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Language: Dutch
Location: Auditorium, Museum De Lakenhal

Admission is only possible with a ticket purchased online in advance.