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One Hundred Masterpieces

Lean back and discover the secrets

What makes the Rijksmuseum one of the world’s most famous museums is the fame of the masterpieces in our collection. Sit back and enjoy the revealing stories behind the best of the best. Or stop the stories for a moment and zoom in on the smallest details.

Do you like these Stories?

Would you like to help us tell more stories like this? Every contribution is welcome.

Isaac and Rebecca, Known as ‘The Jewish Bride’ Isaac and Rebecca, Known as ‘The Jewish Bride’

Isaac and Rebecca, Known as ‘The Jewish Bride’

1:07 min. - One of the most famous embraces in the art of painting
Self-portrait Self-portrait

Self-Portrait, Rembrandt

1:00 min. - The 22-year-old Rembrandt seen here did not shy away from experimenting
Portrait of a Woman, Probably Maria Trip (1619-1683) Portrait of a Woman, Probably Maria Trip (1619-1683)

Portrait of a Woman, Possibly Maria Trip

1:15 min. Rembrandt rendered her costly jewellery masterfully
The Night Watch Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq The Night Watch Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq

The Night Watch

1:31 min. - Why is the Night Watch actually so famous?
Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul

Self-Portrait as the Apostle Paul

1:01 min. - Look at the thick paint in Rembrandt’s turban
Musical Company Musical Company

Musical Company

1:17 min - Adoration of the Lord or a brothel scene?
The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’ The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’

The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’.

1:02 min. - How did Rembrandt create the dynamics in this group portrait?
Marten&Oopjen Marten&Oopjen

Marten and Oopjen

1:26 min. - Purchased by France and the Netherlands for 80 million euros apiece
Man in Oriental Dress Man in Oriental Dress

Man in Oriental Clothing

1:05 min. - Not a portrait, but a tronie
Johannes Wtenbogaert Johannes Wtenbogaert

Portrait of Johannes Wtenbogaert

1:14 min. - Portrait of a devout man