The Amsterdam Rijksmuseum received an unusual gift. Art dealer Bob Haboldt donated a painting. The work was put up for sale at Maastricht’s international art fair TEFAF, in March this year.
If you now want to visit the museum: think again. The Amsterdam Rijksmuseum is among many Dutch museum welcoming visitors per 1st of June 2020. But as mentioned in previous posts: there are restrictions.
Visitors have to book tickets in advance through the museum’s website. There are other restrictions which apply, but the most important one: tourists are discouraged from visiting the Netherlands at the moment! Its government stresses, the country just started easing COVID19 measures and travel restrictions remain in place.
It is the COVID19 pandemic, which inspired Haboldt to donate the painting. He bought the work from a French private collector and put it up for sale at TEFAF 2020. It was sold to a collector straight after the art fair opened. However, this art lover cancelled his or her purchase for reasons unknown.
Bartholomeus Spranger’s painting, donated to the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum
Rather odd, for other works by artist Bartholomeus Spranger, fetched over 5 million euros at auctions. Moreover: “Angels Carrying the Body of Christ” is a famous work by this Flemish master, famous for his version of Northern Mannerism. The work is painted on a copper plate. Though unsigned, research now attributes this painting to Spranger.
Born in Antwerp, Spranger travelled to France and Italy to study with other masters. In Italy, he became court painter to Pope Pius V. Spranger’s international reputation increased.
He soon was asked to work for Maximilian II in Vienna. The Holy Roman Emperor’s successor, Rudolf II, also appointed Spranger his court painter. In 1611, Spranger died in Prague, where Rudolf II had moved his court.
This specific painting became famous when Hendrick Goltzius created a print of it during the late 16th century. The demand for this print was so high, Goltzius printed it in large quantities. “Angels Carrying the Body of Christ” must have become what posters now are to us.
Haboldt told journalists, the COVID19 pandemic affected him greatly. So much, he decided to donate a work of art which pays tribute to its victims. He also hopes his gesture will inspire other art dealers into donating works to museums the world over. Art, according to Haboldt, reminds us many things remain when we are no longer here. Great art “… help[s] us cope and survive a very difficult period.”
According to the art dealer, Spranger’s work fits in well with the current crisis: “What you see is a representation of mercy at the highest level: the soulless body of Christ who receives help from angels who raise him to heaven.” To Haboldt, this is similar to the selfless help care workers give to victims during this pandemic: “This help, this image gives us all some hope.”
Though the museum regularly receives donations, the specific reason and link to COVID19 are quite unique. The museum is very grateful too, for this gift. Others were very interested in obtaining the work from the art dealer.
The painting will be on view at the Rijksmuseum from Monday 1st of June. Meanwhile, the museum also announced its exhibition “Caravaggio and Bernini” is prolonged. Visitors will be able to see it right up till 13th of September 2020.
For all information and to book tickets in advance: visit the Rijksmuseum’s website!
Katevents 