Rembrandt masterpiece to be exhibited for the first time in Groningen – The Northern Times

A recently purchased Rembrandt painting will be shown for the first time at an exhibition in Groningen. Groningen MuseumA nearly life-size self-portrait created by a Dutch Golden Age master in 1636, the Standard Bearer has been in the hands of private collectors for centuries. In 2022, it was acquired by the Dutch government because it is “very important to Dutch history and culture”.

Influenced by Titian, this painting is considered one of Rembrandt’s most important works. This is because Rembrandt distinguished himself as a real artist, perhaps even a genius, and led directly to the commission of his masterpiece The Night Watch.

In this work, Rembrandt depicts himself holding a flag during the Eighty Years’ War, when the Netherlands entered the war for independence from the Kingdom of Spain. The war ended and in 1648 Holland was liberated from the Habsburg rulers.

The painting has been in the French branch of the Rothschild family since 1844, and France classified it as a “national treasure”.

When France announced that it had the right to purchase the work in the Netherlands, and decided that it could be sold under free market conditions, the Netherlands moved quickly to purchase. The government paid her €150 million, while the Rembrandt Society and the Rijksmuseum donated a total of €25 million.

Since its purchase, the painting has toured all the provinces of Holland. Upon completion of the tour, visit the Gallery of Honor at the Rijksmuseum.

The portrait will be exhibited in Groningen from April 4th to May 7th, 2023.