The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is preparing for its upcoming temporary exhibition titled ‘The Golden Age of Dutch Paintings - Masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum’ from March 11 to June 6.
The exhibition, first of its kind in the region, comes as a result of collaboration between Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
According to the agreement between both parties, Rijksmuseum will loan 44 paintings of Dutch art, mostly from the 17th century to be exhibited in Doha.
The chosen masterpieces represent some of the finest art from the Netherlands during that period of Dutch prosperity.
Works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals, among others, will be part of the exhibition.
Alongside the exhibition, a special bilingual catalogue showcasing each painting and putting it in its historical context is being published by a contribution from Shell Qatar. It will be sold at MIA’s gift shop for QR80.
Covering several themes of Dutch art, the exhibition is divided into five sections.
‘Variety and Specialisation’ showcases the diverse genres of Dutch art. ‘Everyday Reality’ features detailed but imaginary paintings of Dutch cities and landscapes.
‘Rembrandt and his Contemporaries’ is a tribute to his everlasting legacy. ‘Refinement and Elegance’ conveys the social trend, of the time, to flaunt sophistication.
‘Past and Present’ is a film screening that brings Dutch 17th century art to the Netherlands of the 21st century.
QMA executive director Roger Mandle, who is also one of the curators of the show, said that the exhibition underscores QMA’s commitment to establish strong relationships with reputable international museums like Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands.
“We hope that we will succeed in introducing Dutch art of the 17th century to our community in Qatar and to encourage new avenues for intellectual dialogue and discussions,” he said.
Film screenings, educational activities for children and lectures for adults will also take place during the exhibition.
There is an admission fee of QR25 for adults everyday except Monday. Admission is free for students and children under 16.
