The Strength of Dutch Museum Collections

The Italian masterpieces by Piero di Cosimo are among the first to show people in the context of their profession – earlier portraits focused almost exclusively on saints or members of the nobility. Just as barbers were the vanguard of the medical profession, artisans were the forerunners of the professional architect and musician – the two occupations these two men represent. Can you sense their pride and confidence?

These radiant portraits from around 1482 of the Florentine architect Giuliano da Sangallo and his father are examples of painting from the Renaissance period, which saw people starting to examine their civilisation and themselves as human beings. Science and education became increasingly important in this time.

More info?

• Duncan Bull, the Rijksmuseum’s Senior Curator of International Painting, has written a booklet (in Dutch) on the portraits of Piero di Cosimo
• And of course you are more than welcome to come and see the paintings at the Rijksmuseum

Portraits of Giuliano and Francesco Giamberti da Sangallo, Piero di Cosimo, ca. 1482. Long-term loan from the Mauritshuis.

This presentation aims to draw attention to the rich abundance of the Rijksmuseum’s permanent collection and has come about with the support of the Rembrandt Association and the Turing Foundation