Sixty-nine artworks by 66 painters are being displayed, both digitally and in prints, at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in the capital from May 26 to June 11. The exhibition, titled “Blooming Light, Soaking Light: Masterpieces from the Netherlands”, is categorized into five main themes – landscapes, still life, portraits, daily lives, and the spiritual world.
Van Gogh’s self-portrait, which was painted in 1887, is digitally displayed on screens at the exhibition. According to the Rijksmuseum, the painter relocated to Paris in 1886. After being introduced to the new colorful painting style in France, he experimented with self-portraits in order to save money on hiring models. His paintings are characterized by soft brush and splendid colors. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
The exhibition at Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi. Video by VnExpress/Hieu Nhan
“The Milkmaid,” painted in 1660 by Johannes Vermeer, portrays a maid pouring milk out of a vase. Vermeer focused on illustrating light in the room and on the maid’s face. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
The Dutch ambassador to Vietnam, Kees van Baar, said the exhibition showcases the close relationship between Vietnam and The Netherlands.
“We want to introduce our national treasures to our close friends,” he said.
The exhibition is one of the activities held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic ties.
“Portrait of a Woman, Possibly Maria Trip,” painted in 1639 by Rembrandt, is one of the displayed works. According to the Rijksmuseum’s documents, Maria’s father earned a fortune due to iron and arms trafficking. Her wealthy background is shown through details in the painting, including her pearl necklace and her lace neckerchief, which were accessories favored by people of the higher class. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
Rembrandt also painted “The Night Watch” in 1642. This is also his largest in terms of size. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
“The Art Gallery of Jan Gildemeester Jansz,” by Adriaan de Lelie, is estimated to be painted around 1794-1795. As can be seen from the painting, the walls are covered with paintings in golden frames. Gildemeester, the white-haired man in a green coat standing in the middle of the room, is surrounded by guests, who are studying the paintings. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
Adriaen van Utrecht drew “Banquet Still Life” in 1644. The painting demonstrated that he could draw anything, ranging from metal and glass cutleries to fruit, lobsters, and pieces of cake. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
“Still Life with Flowers” was drawn by Jan van Huysum in 1723. During the 18th century, van Huysum gave paintings of flowers new touches. Instead of using the usual dark backgrounds, he featured bright-colored landscape backgrounds in his works, giving his audience an impression that the flower vase is being put on a window sill or on a balcony. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
Painter Hendrick Avercamp portrayed humans’ and animals’ activities during winter in his painting “Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters.” Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
Johannes Vermeer created “View of Houses in Delft,” also known as “The Little Street” in 1658. The Rijksmuseum believed this painting is different from Vermeer’s other works. Old houses built from bricks, with visible cracks on their walls, can be seen in the painting. Homes portrayed in the painting are at Vlamingstraat 40-42, Delft, where Vermeer’s aunt lived with her children from 1645 until she passed away in 1670. Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
The oil painting “A Windmill on a Polder Waterway,” also known as “In the Month of July,” was painted by Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël in 1889. The main subject of the painting is a windmill, which is located in the middle of a field and reflected in the water. According to the Rijksmuseum, Gabriël was interested in painting summer landscapes. In one of his letters, he wrote “our country is full of colors.” Photo courtesy of the Rijksmuseum.
