Women on Paper

INSPIRATIONAL AND WIDE-RANGING

On show are some of the greatest works by women in our collection, made using a wide range of techniques. Come and enjoy the prints, watercolours, pastels and photographs – from exquisite black-and-white compositions to spectacular explosions of colour! Some of the artists were pioneers for the generations that followed: they cut new artistic paths with their courage, dynamism and creativity. These women were inspirational back in their day, and they still are today.

Plus, some of the art will be on show for the first time! They include several important works that have just been added to the collection, such as Thérèse Schwartze’s colourful pastel painting of her niece Thérèsia Ansingh.

WOMEN IN ART AND HISTORY

Recent years have seen growing interest in the part played by women in art and history. Now there’s a big focus in social discourse on the position of women in society – today and in the past. This display contributes to that exchange by giving a platform to historical female artists. Enterprising women have long been active in the arts in a variety of roles – as draughtswomen, engravers and print publishers to name a few. It’s time take a fresh look at women in the art world!

WOMEN OF THE RIJKSMUSEUM

The Women on Paper exhibition is an initiative of the Women of the Rijksmuseum project group. The group was set up in 2021 to raise the profile of women in the Rijksmuseum collection – and in displays and exhibitions. The Print Room cabinets offer an opportunity to present art by women from down the centuries and across the collection.