TORONTO – Art enthusiasts in Toronto are in for a treat as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) unveils a rare exhibition titled “Painted Presence: Rembrandt and His Peers.” Showcasing a stunning collection of 17th-century Dutch paintings, the exhibition is a testament to the mastery of Rembrandt van Rijn and his contemporaries.
Featuring a total of 15 meticulously crafted still-life paintings, detailed interiors, and captivating portraits, the exhibition is made possible through a collaboration with The Bader Collection at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Co-curated by Adam Harris Levine, AGO’s Associate Curator of European Art, and Suzanne van de Meerendonk, Bader Curator of European Art at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, the display offers a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the Dutch Golden Age.
Central to the exhibition are seven remarkable works attributed to Rembrandt himself, marking the largest assembly of his pieces ever seen in Toronto’s public museums. Among these treasures are two imposing oil portraits: AGO’s very own “Portrait of a Woman with a Lap Dog” and Agnes’s “Portrait of a Man with Arms Akimbo.” Additionally, visitors can marvel at smaller studies and attributed paintings by the celebrated artist.
Adam Harris Levine, AGO’s Associate Curator of European Art, expressed his enthusiasm about the exhibition, emphasizing the insight it offers into 17th-century Dutch society. “These exquisite paintings have much to tell us about the hopes and interests of Dutch society – its fashions, its vanities, its trade, and its views on aging,” he remarked.
Suzanne van de Meerendonk, Bader Curator of European Art at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, shared her gratitude for the opportunity to share these beloved paintings with Toronto’s audience. She highlighted the significance of comparing various works attributed to Rembrandt and his contemporaries, shedding light on the complexities of defining a true Rembrandt masterpiece.
The exhibition, running until February 2026, offers free admission to Indigenous Peoples, AGO Members, and Annual Passholders. Visitors can book same-day tickets either in person or online.
To delve deeper into the mysteries of Rembrandt’s artistry, co-curators Adam Harris Levine and Suzanne van de Meerendonk will present a talk titled “What Makes a Rembrandt?” on March 20, 2024, at 7 p.m. AGO Members can avail of discounts for the event.
“Painted Presence: Rembrandt and his Peers” is a joint effort by the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen’s University, and showcases the rich legacy of The Bader Collection. Comprising over 500 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, The Bader Collection is a testament to the discerning eye of Dr. Alfred Bader, bringing international renown to Agnes’s collections.
For more information on the exhibition and ticket bookings, visit ago.ca.
Leave a Reply