Rijksmuseum lecture 2026

Hugo Grotius is perhaps the most famous prisoner of conscience in Dutch history. In his work Mare Liberum (1609), he laid the foundations for modern natural law and international law. Principles that we still apply today.

But where did his ideas come from? David Wengrow turns his attention to the Indian Ocean: the traders, the sea routes and the traditions of hospitality in the Malay Archipelago. His conclusion: the ideas of Grotius bear the influence of Islamic thinkers, even though he never mentions them by name. Using objects from the Rijksmuseum collection, Wengrow brings that world to life.

Dr Kirandeep Kaur is a researcher in the field of law and development and will respond to the lecture.

About the speakers

David Wengrow is a British archaeologist and professor of comparative archaeology at University College London. He is known for his innovative approach to early human history and co-authored the influential book The Dawn of Everything with David Graeber.

Kirandeep Kaur is a researcher focusing on law and development, human rights and displacement in Asia, particularly in urban areas. Her current work focuses on stateless and displaced women in Nepal.

Programme

19h: Doors open and welcome drink
19.30: Start of the lecture
20.30: End of the lecture

This lecture is held in English.

Rijksmuseum lecture

This is the first lecture in an annual lecture series organized by the Rijksmuseum. Each year, a renowned national or international speaker is invited to share insights from their field of expertise, reflecting on historical themes and the Rijksmuseum’s collection.

Through this lecture series, we highlight the connections between history and a wide range of disciplines, while reinforcing the Rijksmuseum’s role as a museum of both art and history.

Thanks to

This event is made possible thanks to the Johan Huizinga Fund.