Jacob Backer, Two Girls with a Bird's Nest, n.d., Panel, 73.5 cm x 60.5cm, Image courtesy of Hoogsteder & Hoogsteder.

Old Master Paintings from Private Dutch Collections

Exhibition organized by the Hoogsteder Museum Foundation, The Netherlands

Rembrandt van Rijn founded the most influential Academy that ever existed in the Dutch Republic (1581-1795), training dozens of painters to work in the “Rembrandtesque” manner. His characteristic style became famous throughout the whole of Europe. Rembrandt’s artistic personality was breath-taking, and it is not possible to imagine Dutch art without him.

Upon becoming a leading painter of his day, Rembrandt attracted students from all over, everyone bewildered by his brilliance. Rembrandt formed his Academy wishing to use the help of his students to produce the large output of paintings and etchings required to make his name in the world. Many of his students were so advanced that they were working as paid painters in the studio and actively collaborated on Rembrandt’s commissions, painting backgrounds, drapery and costumes. 

Many of his pupils went on to create a name for themselves, often following painting trends of the day and building on what they had learned from their teacher. This exhibition brings together sixteen works by those students created during the Dutch Golden Age of Painting.