In 2006 it will have been four hundred years ago that Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was born. The spectacular Rembrandt 400 programme pays homage to Holland’s greatest 17th-century painter. Like no other artist, Rembrandt managed to capture light and shadows in paint. In addition, his drawings and etchings are unequalled.

Unique exhibitions and first-rate events throughout the year will highlight surprising facets of Rembrandt. Never before were so many famous and lesser-known works of the Dutch master on display together. Museums from around the world will loan their Rembrandt works to museums in Amsterdam and Leiden for this historical and cultural event.

The exceptional exhibitions not only show Rembrandt’s actual works, but also focus on the man behind the painter, etcher and drawer. The highlights include Rembrandt - Caravaggio, a unique meeting of these geniuses of the Northern and Southern Baroque and Rembrandt’s Mother, Myth and Reality; various figures in his work were identified as being his father, mother, sister or uncle. This exhibition explores these myths and assumptions. The exposition Rembrandt - The Quest of a Genius is devoted to Rembrandt’s 20-year-long artistic and personal crisis after his wife Saskia died.

In addition to these, and many other, unique exhibitions, various Rembrandt walking routes have been mapped out, one Rembrandt musical will premiere in 2006 and numerous other activities will celebrate Rembrandt 400 throughout the year.

Events

Four spectacular exhibitions in The Rembrandt House Museum
The year 2006 is a very special year for The Rembrandt House Museum. Four hundred years earlier, in 1606, construction work started on this house in Amsterdam in which Rembrandt was to live during his heyday. 1606 Is also the year in which Rembrandt was born. On top of this, it will have been 100 years ago that it was decided to convert this very house into a museum. Ample reasons for a celebration. The Rembrandt House Museum presents four spectacular exhibitions. Many of the works on display in these four exhibitions are returning to the place where they were made for the very first time in four centuries.

—Rembrandt and English Etching
This exhibition shows graphical work from the period 1850 - 1930 by British artists whom Rembrandt inspired.
- 17 December 2005 through 12 March 2006, The Rembrandt House Museum, Jodenbreestraat 4-6

—Rembrandt - The Quest of a Genius
After having completed The Nightwatch and losing his wife Saskia, Rembrandt went through a lengthy artistic and personal crisis. This exhibition shows how a searching Rembrandt was to ultimately find new artistic solutions. Numerous of his masterpieces now return to the house where they were made, some after almost four centuries.
- 1 April 2006 - 2 July 2006, Museum Het Rembrandthuis, Jodenbreestraat 4-6

—Rembrandt the Etcher
Rembrandt was one of the greatest graphical talents of all time. His contemporaries already admired him for his free drawing technique, his dramatic clair obscure and his daring etching experiments. Until today his etchings have been a source of inspiration for various famous artists, such as Goya and Picasso. Rembrandt has made some 290 etchings altogether. Museum The Rembrandt House owns one of the world’s main collections of Rembrandt etchings. This exposition presents this collection in a fully renovated, thematic lay-out.
- 8 July 2006 - 3 September 2006, The Rembrandt House Museum, Jodenbreestraat 4-6

—Rembrandt and Uylenburgh, dealing in masterpieces
The exhibition ‘Rembrandt and Uylenburgh, dealing in masterpieces’ shows Rembrandt’s works in a rather unique context. They are not shown solo, but together with works by his
competitors. It is presented exactly like Uylenburgh showcased Rembrandt’s work in his art store; amidst work of other Dutch, Italian and Flemish masters,.
- 14 September 2006 - 10 December 2006, The Rembrandt House Museum, Jodenbreestraat 4-6

Rembrandt 400 In Amsterdam
Good Times And Bad Times
At the age of 25, Rembrandt van Rijn settled in Amsterdam permanently. Here he both enjoyed good times and bad times.
Rembrandt’s works are extremely vital. His canvases exude feelings and thoughts. This is most evident in his portraits and self-portraits, which show great psychological depth. Rembrandt’s Amsterdam is surprisingly well preserved. The city is a brilliant backdrop to the range of Rembrandt 400 expositions and other events.

Rembrandt - Caravaggio
For the very first time in history works by the two most famous 17th-century artists will be on display together: Rembrandt and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Museums from around the world will loan their top works by these two masters. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum present a unique encounter of these geniuses of the Northern and Southern Baroque. Twenty five monumental paintings will present visual treats of powerful images exuding love, emotion and passion.
- 24 February 2006 - 18 June 2006, Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7

Rembrandt 400 in the Rijksmuseum
The world-famous collection of Rembrandts in the Rijksmuseum is one of the most extensive in the world. In 2006 this museum will mount four Rembrandt 400 exhibitions. In addition to these exhibitions, the museum has an extensive programme of Rembrandt events.

The Masterpieces
Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jacob van Ruisdael and Jan Steen. Top works by these world-famous artists are now on display in one wing of the Rijksmuseum. This exhibition highlights the creme-de-la-creme of painting, sculpture and applied art in the northern Netherlands and presents the history of the Golden Age. It includes, off course, the Nightwatch. In addition, the museum’s famous doll’s houses, a wealth of 17th-century silver and the most precious Delftware may be admired.
- 2 January 2006 – 31 December 2006, Rijksmuseum, Jan Luijkenstraat 1

All the paintings from the Rijksmuseum collection
The Rijksmuseum has one of the world’s most important collections of Rembrandt’s paintings. This is the first time that all of Rembrandt’s paintings in the Rijksmuseum’s collection will be on show together.
- 26 January - 19 February 2006, Rijksmuseum, Jan Luijkenstraat 1

Really Rembrandt?
Compare genuine Rembrandts with fakes. The Rijksmuseum will present for the first time works that were once attributed to Rembrandt but were not the real thing.
- 9 March - 24 May 2006, Rijksmuseum, Jan Luijkenstraat 1

Nightwatching by Peter Greenaway
A theatrical installation featuring the Nightwatch with sound and pictures as part of the Holland Festival.
- 2 June - 6 August 2006, Rijksmuseum, Jan Luijkenstraat 1

All the Drawings, part I: the Storyteller
Part 1 of a presentation of 60 drawings from the Rijksmuseum’s collection: Rembrandt as a wayward teller of Biblical scenes.
- 11 August- 11 October 2006, Rijksmuseum, Jan Luijkenstraat 1

All the Drawings, part II: the Observer
Part 2 of a presentation of all 60 drawings in the Rijksmuseum’s collection: an intimate look into the world of Rembrandt, the greatest of all drawers.
- 14 October - 31 December 2006, Rijksmuseum, Jan Luijkenstraat 1

The Jewish Rembrandt
It has become increasingly common to find Rembrandt described as a ‘Jewish’ artist. There are various factors accounting for this. For many years Rembrandt lived and worked in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter; many of his paintings depict biblical scenes and he introduced written Hebrew words into some of his works. From the nineteenth century on a number of the characters he had painted were considered to be Jews. But is there any basis for such beliefs? This new exhibition titled The ‘Jewish’ Rembrandt assembles masterpieces from Rembrandt’s work, juxtaposing them with comparable works by other masters and interspersing them with documentary evidence and reproductions. In this way the Jewish Historical Museum sets out to unravel the mystery and explain the myth.
- 10 November 2006 – 4 Februayr 2007, Jewish Historical Museum, Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1

Rembrandt and the Bible. The complete etchings
The exhibition presents Rembrandt's complete oeuvre of etchings with biblical scenes. During his career, he made well over 70 such works, depicting both Old and New Testament stories. This oeuvre exhibition places the works in a thematic and chronological context. Rembrandt
made several versions of a number of stories, earlier and later in his career. This exhibition now offers the opportunity to compare these. The etchings on display are placed in a context, both with regard to themes and techniques, which does justice to the latest scientific findings. The etchings may also be viewed digitally, in the smallest detail. Work stations provide touch screens where visitors can view enlarged versions of the often tiny etchings, with background information provided. An audio tour is a separate part of the exhibition.
- 15 September 2006 –10 December 2006, Biblical Museum, Herengracht 366-368

Rembrandt's Documents
Rembrandt’s wealth and debts, his clients and creditors, his women and children... The Gemeentearchief Amsterdam (Municipal Archives Amsterdam) boasts a wealth of information on the life and work of the painter. Its 600 documents include deeds relating to the purchase and sales of paintings and houses, as well as papers on the notorious court case in the ‘Huwelijkskrackeelboeck’ (Register of Marital Quarrels).
- 15 October 2006 - 31 December 2006, Gemeentearchief Amsterdam, Amsteldijk 67

The Essence of Rembrandt
The Amsterdam Historical Museum boasts a small, yet surprising, Rembrandt collection. It includes drawings, etchings and the famous painting ‘The Anatomical Lesson by Dr. Deijman’ from 1656. To mark the ‘Rembrandt 400’ year, the Amsterdam Historical Museum presents this unique collection. The topics of the drawings and etchings show what a versatile artist Rembrandt was.
His work ranges from landscapes and portraits to Biblical and mythological scenes. He used a wide range of techniques, including charcoal, pen and pencil, burin and drypoint.
- 12 May – 13 August 2006, Amsterdam Historical Museum, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357, Kalverstraat 92

Rembrandt, the Musical, Royal Theatre Carré Amsterdam
In the Rembrandt year of 2006, the Royal Carré Theatre will host the Rembrandt musical for seven months. The theatrical production will provide new and surprising insight into Rembrandt’s life, which has until now remained a mystery to the general public. The show will concentrate on the man Rembrandt, “the master of light” whose life was interspersed with so many shadows and dramatic events.
- 15 July 2006 - February 2007, Royal Theatre Carré, Amstel 115-125

Rembrandt walking route Amsterdam
During the walk visitors will become acquainted with the many locations which played an important role in the painter’s life. These include the Oude Kerk (Old Church), the Waag (Weighing House), the Royal Palace on Dam Square - the then town hall -, the Westerkerk Church and, of course, the Rembrandt House. He lived and worked in this house for well over twenty years. The turbulent era in which Rembrandt lived is a ubiquitous backdrop for this walk.
Within only 50 years, after all, the number of Amsterdam’s inhabitants grew from 60,000 to 200,000. To accommodate all newcomers the city expanded with the now famous concentric canal area in the beginning of the 17th century. New ‘estates’ were built for the immigrants in the north-western ('Jordaan') and eastern ('Nieuwmarkt quarter') sections of the city. Rembrandt lived in both new quarters.
- throughout the year, Amsterdam city centre

Rembrandt 400 In Leiden
Leiden, Rembrandt's Home Town
Rembrandt was born in Leiden on July 15, 1606. He was the ninth child of miller Harmen Gerritszoon Van Rijn and Neeltje Willemsdochter van Suydbroeck. Rembrandt lived and worked in Leiden during the first 25 years of his life. This is where he was taught his trade and where he laid the basis for his famous chiascuro technique. Leiden, major parts of which have changed little since Rembrandt was born, organises several expositions and other events.
Rembrandt Visitor’s Centre
The Rembrandt Visitor’s Centre will supply information on the young Rembrandt and all Rembrandt activities. This information centre will remain open after 2006. Picture postcards and brochures, books and audio-visual items will be available.
- 15 December 2005 - 31 December, 2006, Scheltema Complex, Oude Singel 28-32

Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal
The Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal stages three major exhibitions.

Rembrandt’s Mother, Myth and Reality
Scientists have identified numerous figures in Rembrandt’s work as relatives of his. But are they indeed his relatives? This exhibition focuses on the mystery around the old woman reading a Bible. Rembrandt has portrayed her several times. From as early as the 17th-century she has been thought to be Rembrandt’s mother.
16 December 2005 – 19 March 2006, Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal, Oude Singel 28-32

Rembrandt, the Storyteller, etchings from the Frits Lugt collection
In his etchings Rembrandt represents his topics very directly and convincingly. The topics range from everyday scenes to biblical and mythological narratives. Rembrandt expert Frits Lugt (1884-1970) collected all Rembrandt’s etchings. This exhibition is the first occasion for which this complete collection of etchings has been given on loan.
- 13 April 2006 - 3 September 2006, Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal, Oude Singel 28-32

Rembrandt’s Landscapes
Rembrandt was best known as a painter of historical and biblical scenes and a portrait painter. He painted very few landscapes. This exhibition brings together all Rembrandt’s painted landscapes and his world-famous etchings and drawings of landscapes highlighting a unique aspect of the great master’s oeuvre.
- 6 October 2006 - 7 January 2007, Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal, Oude Singel 28-32

Rembrandt walking route Leiden
This walking route takes in all the authentic Rembrandt locations in the historical centre of Leiden. One of the highlights of the walk is Weddesteegplein, where Rembrandt was born. Another highlight along the route is the Latin School. Here Rembrandt enjoyed his first painting lessons. When you look through the windows of this building, you will imagine yourself in the world of a schoolboy in the early 17th century. Just a few steps will take you on to Jacob van Swanenburgh’s studio in which young Rembrandt spent many an hour.

Other Cities
A Summer Full Of Rembrandt
The Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague will give centre stage to Rembrandt in summer 2006. The museum’s permanent collection includes ten of the world famous painter’s most celebrated works. In a special presentation, the Mauritshuis will exhibit an impressive overview of Rembrandt’s skills: from his early Simeon's song of praise (1631) to Self-portrait (1669, the year of his death). Both works were recently restored along with Homer (1663). The three paintings have undergone a wonderful metamorphosis thanks to their restoration. This will be the first time the public will be able to find out about the restoration processes and the findings of the technical examinations of the paintings. The restored paintings will be displayed prominently among Rembrandt’s other works in the summer presentation. A richly illustrated booklet entitled Rembrandt in the Mauritshuis will be published to accompany the presentation.
- 26 June - 18 September 2006, Mauritshuis, Korte Vijverberg 8, 2513 AB The Hague

For more information contact Stichting Rembrandt 400 and the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions