In recent decades many rare art works – by both known and unknown artists – have been transferred to the Dutch state art collection. They include pieces by Anthony van Dyck, Hendrick Goltzius and Karel van Mander. The current display in the print cabinets presents prints, drawings and albums that came into the collection in this way.

Special scheme for heirs

A government scheme started in 1998 allows heirs to meet their inheritance tax obligations by transferring art with a national cultural or art-historical significance. Large numbers of objects have entered the Rijksmuseum collection in this way, including the complete or partial collections of print dealer Simon Emmering, Pieter Berend Oudemans and Professor I.Q. van Regteren Altena. Highlights from their collections are currently on show in the six print cabinets.

Simon Emmering

Antiquarian book and print dealer Simon Emmering (1914-1999) was passionate about books and paper. His collection of prints on this subject includes posters produced by publishers, cartoons of print collectors and pictures of print sellers. The current display includes one of the highlights of his collection: a drawing by Jacob Perkois of two young collectors searching through prints being sold by a street vendor.

Pieter Berend Oudemans

Physician and legal professional Pieter Berend Oudemans (1960-2005) was deeply interested in history and historical figures. He was particularly intrigued by the phenomenon of connecting with the past by standing eye-to-eye with a historical figure depicted in a portrait. This interest prompted him to start collecting portraits on paper. Masterpieces from his collection include a fine portrait of a 26-year-old man by Hendrick Goltzius and a rare album containing a complete set of portraits of the ‘one hundred icons’ designed and made by Anthony van Dyck.

Iohan Quirijn van Regteren Altena

Professor I.Q. van Regteren Altena (1899-1980) was an art history professor in Amsterdam and director of the Rijksmuseum Print Room from 1948 to 1962. In recent decades his family has transferred and gifted parts of his collection to the Rijksmuseum. Works on show from his unique collection include Country Fair by Karel van Manders, St. John the Evangelist on Patmos by Lodewijk Toeputs and four topographical drawings by Cornelis Pronk.

Print cabinets
Until 1 December 2024

PRICES

  • Adults: €22.50
  • Free for 18 and under
  • Free for Friends

ADDRESS

Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair access
Guide dogs allowed
Lifts on every floor

FAQ

Free cloak room
Photography allowed
Free WiFi