He Municipal Museum Zutphenin the Netherlands, will present an unpublished collection of engravings by Rembrandt starting next March 21. These historical pieces have not seen the light of day for more than a century and show an impeccable state of conservation after decades of protection.
The exhibition brings together more than seventy engravings of the Dutch master. This artistic complex constitutes a milestone for local museography, since it is the first time that the public has access to this specific material in a hundred years, as explained by the museum in a statement.
Charlotte Meyercurrent owner of the collection, selected this institution for the debut of the works in the Netherlands. His decision allows the opening of an archive that remained locked and out of reach of researchers for a long time.
A collector’s legacy: Rembrandt and a family history
The origin of this valuable compilation dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Meyer’s grandfather, a renowned art expert, purchased the prints when interest in these objects was almost non-existent among other collectors.
«No one was interested in printmaking at that time. It was nothing special. For just a few guilders, my grandfather bought 35 different copies. My grandmother didn’t care. We kept them, but no one really expected anything from them,» Meyer explained in conversation with Omroep Gelderlandthe regional public broadcaster of the Dutch province of Gelderland.
Thanks to his technical knowledge, the original collector obtained fundamental pieces at very low prices for his personal collection. After his death, the treasure was forgotten absolutely inside a family safe.
The definitive discovery of these works occurred in 2020, during the pandemic due to COVID-19. Meyer found the engravings in the darkness of a vault shortly after the death of his mother, who also guarded the closet’s secret. «Only during the time of the coronavirus I thought: let’s take a look at that folder,» he said.
Experts from Rembrandt House Museum In Amsterdam they analyzed each of the pieces to verify their origin. «They were very nice, but I think at first they thought, ‘Here comes someone who thinks he has a real Rembrandt,'» Meyer said.
The results of the technical investigation confirmed the exceptional relevance of this discovery for national and world heritage. «When they came to see the engravings at my house, they were stunned and said: ‘Charlotte, you don’t know what you have in your hands!’ I thought, ‘Wow, I think it’s worth a lot of money,'» he recalled.
Stedelijk Museum Zutphen presents inéditos grabados de Rembrandt
The exhibition not only addresses Rembrandt’s aesthetics, but also offers deep historical context. Meyer expanded the collection with works by the artist’s predecessors and contemporaries to enrich the journey and explain the evolution of genius. «I started buying works from all over Europe. Very bad business, because there are many copies. But I don’t fall for that, just like my grandfather,» Meyer said.
The curatorial script recounts the years of youth, success and the period of poverty of the painter. Additionally, the museum included olfactory elements so that visitors can breathe in the atmosphere of 17th century Amsterdam directly. «It’s such a beautiful story that you can only dream about it. I was completely enchanted by Rembrandt.what incredible mastery,» Meyer said.
The project is financed by the Culture Fund, the Mondriaan Fund and the local municipality. The exhibition, titled Rembrandt, from darkness to light, will remain open to the public until June 14 in the city of Zutphen.
