The Reputation of Dutch and Flemish Art: Who Decides?

On Monday 31 May, CODART organized an online congress for its members. The theme of the online congress was “The Reputation of Dutch and Flemish Art: Who Decides?” Originally the theme for the congress in Stockholm, we have decided to discuss the subject during the 2021 online congress. The theme tied in closely to the publication of the CODART Canon in book form and the presentation of the renewed and expanded Canon website in May 2021.

Reputations come and go, also those of Dutch and Flemish artists: each era has its own favorites and preferences. The CODART Canon serves as a starting point for discussing the impact that issues like nationalism, research, exhibitions, and increased attention for matters such as colonial history and diversity and inclusion have (had) on the reputation and appreciation of art and artists from the past. What do these reputations mean for the everyday practice of the curator? How does the canon influence the curator’s profession?  You can find the full description of the congress theme on this page.

Program

The theme was discussed in four short lectures by Johannes Grave (Friedrich Schiller University Jena), Lea van der Vinde (Mauritshuis, The Hague), Karin Haanappel (independent art historian), and Adam Eaker (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York). The lectures were followed by a Q&A in which participants were invited to share their thoughts and ideas. The event was moderated by Femke Diercks (Rijskmuseum, Amsterdam).