Delftware collection catalogue
Art-historical and scientific examination of the collection of Delft earthenware
In 2016 the Rijksmuseum began researching its entire collection of Delft earthenware with the aim of publishing an online collection catalogue.
About the project
There are roughly 1,600 pieces, all of which are being studied for their history and style, with parts of the collection being analysed scientifically as well. The project is being supervised by a scientific committee, with assistance from such external partners as the Rijksdienst voor Cultureel Erfgoed (RCE, Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands), archeological agencies, universities, and other museums at home and abroad.
Aim of the project
Scientific examination, alongside art-historical study, is an important part of the research, and can make use of the Rijksmuseum’s scientific facilities in its Atelier Building and collaboration with the RCE.
The composition of the glazes of a representative group of around 250 pieces of Delftware (mainly the marked and dated ones) are being investigated with non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The statistical analysis of the data can reveal a great deal about the production processes and support services that will aid in attributing and dating Delftware. It also contributes to the development of new standards, not only for the Rijksmuseum but for the entire field.
Related publications
- A. van Hoesel, N. Verma, J. van Iperen, F. Diercks, 'Glaze composition of 17th – 18th Dutch Delftware', extended abstract in Glaze Art 2018 International Conference Glazed Ceramics in Cultural Heritage, pp. 27-28.
- H.J.M. Wouters, 'Analytical study of Delftware's reproductions', Microchemical Journal 155 (2020), Elsevier
Related events
- F. Diercks, ‘ Technisch onderzoek naar Delfts aardewerk’, presentatie bij het symposium ‘De onzichtbare wereld , Onderzoek van kunstnijverheid in het laboratorium’, Ottema Kingma Stichting 29-10-2018
- Van Hoesel, 'Glaze composition of 17th - 18th century Dutch Delftware', presentation at the NICAS Colloquium, 14-06-2018
Possibly, in the future there will be a symposium and expert meeting held concerning this project.
staff
Femke Diercks
f.diercks@rijksmuseum.nl
Head of the Decorative Arts Department
Isabelle Garachon
i.garachon@rijksmuseum.nl
Head of Ceramics, Glass and Stone conservation
Margot van Schinkel
m.van.schinkel@rijksmuseum.nl
Senior Conservator Ceramics, Glass and Stone
Jolanda van Iperen
j.van.iperen@rijksmuseum.nl
Research analist
Partners and sponsors
This project is supported by the Fonds Delfts Aardewerk / Rijksmuseum fonds; in collaboration with KIK-RIPA Brussel, RCE Luc Megens and Haags.
Related projects
Desvres
