The Netherlands Exhibit, Museum of Fine Arts

 Of all the art I have enjoyed in my life, it is quite possible that Dutch art has satisfied me the most, both in subject matter, and the genius of technique mastered by so many of these artists.  Of course, we recognize Rembrandt as perhaps the pinnacle, but there are so many that are not household names that created, in the 17th. century especially, such true masterpieces.  And through the most amazing and generous gifts, the MFA has installed numerous rooms devoted just to the Netherlands.  

And what an exhibit! From tiny insects, to vast sea canvasses, it is all there, in my Boston, to enjoy.  I suspect I will go back again and again, and hopefully Susan, who loves it as much as I, will be with me, and maybe Barbara and Bill as well.  And Bruce, in July, hopefully. 

For this trip, I was joined by Mark Slawson, close friend, organist at Second Parish Church in Hingham, and a partner in many musical undertakings for many years.  I have been a featured soloist at his church every Christmas Eve for at least ten years running. 

A curious circumstance is that much of the art donated came from a Mr. Von Otterloo, probably the son of Wilhelm Von Otterloo, conductor of the Hague Philharmonic, who I first encountered at Curtis with a performance of his "Serenade for 13 Brass instruments, percussion and harp" which I performed with William Smith conducting, a wonderful, very demanding work, which was recently released by the Amsterdam Conceertgebouw Orchestra brass. 

Aaaat any rate, here is my record of my visit with Mark, all photos taken with my new I phone 13 Max Pro. I may never carry a camera around again!

P.S.  There will be a follow-up blog of the rest of the museum visit.

Jan Davidsz. de Heem
Dutch, 1606-about 1684
Interior of a Painter's Studio

Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder  1573-1621
Still Life with Roses in a Glass Vase

Jacob van Walscapelle  1644-1727
A Floral Still Life

Gerrit Berckheyde  1638-1698
View of Haarlem
I mean, here is a guy that even the well-travelled museum visitor might not be familiar with,
and yet this is the equal of any Constable.  Glorious!

Cornelis Verbeeck  1590-1637
The Blockade of the Privateer' Nest at Dunkirk
Very much another masterpiece by who?

detail of above

another detail of above

Frans Snyders  1579-1657
Still Life with Fruit, Wanli Porcelain, and Squirrel

and here's the Squirrel

Osias Beert  (Flemish) 1580-1623
Still Life with Various Vessels, on a Table
The dish in the middle (detail below) was captured so well, it appeared to be in 
three dimensions, inviting you to pick a piece.  And I mean that, it was
a shock. 

This photo can't do justice to the effect, you will just have to visit to see for yourself. 

Mark admiring the massive ship model, the "Valkenisse" a Dutch cargo ship, heavily armed. 
This is the only model of this type of ship found in America. 

detail

detail. 
According to the description, the model may have been like a presentation from the
shipbuilder to get more commissions. 
I love that mini-crow's nest on the bowsprit. 

Rembrandt van Rijn  1606-1669
Reverend Johannes Elison
Evidently a full-length portrait was vastly more expensive.  Add to that
the matching portrait of the minister's wife adjacent, and you have quite a hefty bit of income. 

detail

detail

Gerrit Berckheyde  1638-1698
The Grote or St. Bavokerk in Haarlem
Another great architectural scene by Berkcheyde, which could have been done by 
Canaletto, but with even more finer detail than even that great Italian master. 

detail of above. 
Look at the shrub just to the left of the doorway!

Jan Steen  1626-1679
A Card Game in a Tavern
Steen is much more familiar, and justly so, given his very theatrical scenes, 
always telling the viewer secrets, and moral lessons. 
Here he shows the cards the young lady has, including aces, but she is
being helped in her cheating of the gentleman by the two men; one is
plying the guy with more drink, while the other checks out his cards. 

A Dutch cubbord, or beeidenkost
Carved Oak

carve

detail

Salomon van Ruysdael  1600/03-1670
An Estuary, Possibly het Spaarne at Haarlem, 
with a Wijdship and other Small Craft
Had to include a Ruysdael, very much a favorite.  Look at those clouds.

detail

My apologies, I didn't record this artist or subject.  But it is striking.

Look at the eyes, the lips, and the color in the cheeks and chin.  
Could a photograph capture all of that?  Just maybe. 

Doll's House    17th-18th century. 
Netherlands
For the wealthiest of children, real silver miniatures to play with . 
the average room is about 12 inches tall, so you can judge the size of cups, lamps, etc. 

Dining room

Sitting or Living room

Kitchen

And the real masterpiece of the house, 
the garden, with painted view.

I hope you enjoyed my selections, and the photography, done with the
versatility of the I phone.  It seems to capture color and depth better than
the human eye.
And if you can visit the exhibit?  well........!