Artus Quellinus - Sculptor of Amsterdam

The exhibition presents a large selection of exceptional artworks drawn from Dutch and international museums, as well ecclesiastical and private collections. The show encompasses work spanning the dynamic, expressive style of Rubens to monumental projects for royal and church patrons, with imposing works in marble displayed alongside small intimate pieces in ivory, wood and terracotta. The larger works include the figure of Saint Peter from St Andrew's Church, Antwerp, and Pallas Athene from Museum Kurhaus Kleve – both exhibits are leaving their permanent homes for this unique occasion. The Rijksmuseum is providing no fewer than 60 objects and sculptures by Quellinus, making it possible to present all facets of his oeuvre.

About Artus Quellinus

Antwerp-born sculptor Artus Quellinus (1609–1668) was one of the most influential sculptors of the 17th-century. Following a period living in Rome, Quellinus was invited by the local government of Amsterdam to decorate its newly built city hall. For this commission he produced iconic sculptures such as his famous Atlas; the refined pieces in the lavishly decorated Citizen’s Hall; and the Tribunal, a series of narrative reliefs known as ‘The Night Watch of sculpture’. Throughout this period Quellinus proudly bore the honorific title of Sculptor of Amsterdam. His powerful works are testimony to his exceptional talent for evoking movement and emotion in materials like marble, where he captured the softness of human skin and the delicate folds of fabric in remarkable detail. This great master’s work for Amsterdam’s city hall gave a tremendous boost to sculpture as an art form in the Netherlands and far beyond.

Partnership

Artus Quellinus - Sculptor of Amsterdam has come about through a partnership between the Rijksmuseum and the Royal Palace Amsterdam. The exhibition runs from 18 June to 27 October 2025 at the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum collection

The Rijksmuseum holds the largest collection of Quellinus’ artworks, terracotta models and many sketches that he made as preparatory studies and design drawings for his work for in the city hall.

Quellinus at Work

Ongoing technical and art historical research at the Rijksmuseum into Quellinus’s life, work and studio practice forms the foundation for the exhibition staged by the Royal Palace Amsterdam, as well as the accompanying book published by the Rijksmuseum.

Exhibition book

The lavishly illustrated book accompanying the exhibition explores the life, work and studio practice of Quellinus. It was compiled by exhibition curator and Rijksmuseum sculpture researcher Bieke van der Mark, and designed by Irma Boom. Available in Dutch and English editions.

· Artus Quellinus. Beeldhouwer van Amsterdam. ISBN: 978-94-6208-911-2

· Artus Quellinus. Sculptor of Amsterdam. ISBN: 978-94-6208-912-9

Available soon.

Thanks

The exhibition is made possible in part by the Mondriaan Fund, the Don Quixote Foundation, Zabawas, the Cultuurfonds, and the Bert and Joos Mastenbroek Fund via the Rijksmuseum Fund.

The book was made possible in part by the Stichting Pruikenburg Fund, the Charema Fund for History and Art via the Cultuurfonds, and the Bert and Joos Mastenbroek Fund via the Rijksmuseum Fund.