Immerse yourself in four centuries’ worth of ‘High Society’, an exhibition put together by the Rijksmuseum showcasing internationally renowned artists from Cranach to Velázquez and from Rembrandt to Manet.
The exhibition comes from the tradition of powerful monarchs, aristocrats and other wealthy people commissioning portraits of themselves to create a glorified image of high society. It will feature over 35 paintings from international museums and private collections in Paris, London, Florence, Vienna and Los Angeles.
Beyond them, however, more than 80 prints and drawings will painstakingly detail what goes on beyond the smokescreen of “high society”: events that often took place behind closed doors, such as parties, drinking, gambling, visits to brothels and boudoirs.
The paintings range from the early sixteenth century to the early twentieth century, and as such, will present four centuries’ worth of fashion across the globe: from the slashed breeches and doublet of 1514 to the haute couture of the late nineteenth century.
The highlight of the exhibition will undoubtedly be Rembrandt’s spectacular pendant portraits of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit, which were painted to honour their marriage. ‘High Society’ will be the first time they will be on view to the public since their restoration.
Beyond Rembrandt’s masterpieces, ‘High society’ includes impressive portraits by Cranach the Elder, Veronese, Velázquez, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Sargent, Manet, and Munch.
‘High Society’ is made possible by the Blockbusterfonds, ING, FedEx and the Patrons of the Rijksmuseum. The conservation treatment of Rembrandt’s portraits of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit was supported by the Irma Theodora Fonds/Rijksmuseum Fonds, Philips and the Cevat Fonds/Rijksmuseum Fonds.
The exhibition opens on 8 March, and will be open until 3 June. While the exhibition is ongoing, tickets can be bought at the counter. To book in advance, visit this page.
> Borislava Todorova
