From the museum press release, 10 January 2011
Bolstered by its recent political independence, economic prosperity, and maritime supremacy, the Dutch Republic witnessed an artistic flourishing during the seventeenth century, known as the Dutch Golden Age. The Morgan Library & Museum presents over ninety drawings by some of the preeminent artists of the period—among them Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn and his followers Ferdinand Bol and Gerbrand van den Eeckhout; Abraham Bloemaert; Aelbert Cuyp; and Jan van Goyen—in an exhibition titled Rembrandt’s World: Dutch Drawings from the Clement C. Moore Collection, on view from January 20 through April 29, 2012.
The Dutch Republic of the seventeenth century was a federation of seven states—Holland, Zeeland, Gelderland, Utrecht, Friesland, Overijssel, and Groningen. The exhibition focuses on artists who worked primarily in their native lands, rather than those whose careers took them to France, Italy, or elsewhere abroad, and highlights the broad spectrum of subjects—portraiture, marine views, landscapes, biblical and mythological narratives, genre scenes, and the natural world—that fueled their creative imaginations.
“The collection of Clement C. Moore, known as Chips, is a testament to the concentration of talent in the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age, in the seventeenth century,” said William M. Griswold, director of The Morgan Library & Museum. “The period is, of course, associated with Rembrandt, but there were many other extraordinary artists working at this time as well. Their exceptional creativity and skill is on display in this exhibition, and we are delighted Chips has chosen the Morgan, not only as the venue for this exhibition, but as the eventual permanent repository of these works, as well.”
“I am honored and thrilled that the Morgan has chosen to exhibit and catalogue my collection of Dutch drawings,” said Mr. Moore. “These works have been a source of great pleasure for my family and me over many years, and it is my hope others will find them as appealing. They provide us with an image of the legendary Golden Age—a period that notably included the founding of New York by Dutch traders—so an opening here is especially appropriate.”
Rembrandt’s World is organized by Linda Wolk-Simon, Charles W. Engelhard Curator and Head of the Department of Drawings and Prints, and Esther Bell, Moore Curatorial Fellow, Department of Drawings and Prints.
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Rita Markus Fund for Exhibitions.
The catalogue is underwritten by The Andrew W. Mellon Fund for Research and Publications.
Public programs are generously supported by The Netherland-America Foundation, Inc.