Catalogue of a Danish collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings
The book Dutch and Flemish Painting at The Nivaagaard Collection was released in November. This richly illustrated collection catalogue brings renewed attention to a remarkable group of 57 Dutch and Flemish paintings. For the first time in over a century, this part of the Danish collection has been thoroughly studied, resulting in new insights and discoveries in both art history and technical research.
Collaborative project
This publication is the result of a collaborative project between The Nivaagaard Collection and the RKD, conducted from 2022 to 2024 by Jørgen Wadum and RKD curator Angela Jager. Using the latest expertise and techniques, they examined the collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings. Their research yielded new attributions, more accurate datings, extensive provenance information, and identifications of subjects.
2. David Teniers, The Empty Mug, 1668
Highlights
A notable outcome of the research was the 2023 reunification of a family portrait by Cornelis de Vos. The rediscovered fragment of the woman was acquired by The Nivaagaard Collection and now hangs alongside Portrait of a man and son. Additionally, an in-depth study of Rembrandt’s Portrait of a 39-year-old woman and its presumed pendant from The Metropolitan Museum of Art provided new insights, which were recently presented in the exhibition Rembrandt Reunited (September 3 to November 10, 2024).
The collection’s history
The 384-page book includes two essays and 57 catalogue entries. In the first essay, Angela Jager and Jesper Svenningsen examine the history of the collection, originally assembled as a private collection by Johannes Hage (1842-1923). Together with his best friend, Hage traveled across Europe acquiring artworks, guided by advice from experts such as Cornelis Hofstede de Groot. In the second essay, Jørgen Wadum discusses the restoration history of the paintings, highlighting Hage’s collaboration with renowned German restorer Alois Hauser, who played a crucial role in preserving the collection.
Catalogue section
The entries, primarily written by Angela Jager, are complemented by technical descriptions from Jørgen Wadum and include images of the paintings. Among the contributions are two entries by RKD curator Sabine van Beek, who presents a new identification of Landscape with Falcon Hunters on Horseback. Rudy Jos Beerens, also an RKD curator, discusses David Teniers’ The Empty Mug, while Jørgen Wadum examines a recent addition to the collection, Pieter Claesz’s Still Life with Ham. Angela Jager and Nils Büttner co-authored a critical reassessment of Portrait of a Man, previously attributed to Rubens and Van Dyck. Furthermore, all painting records will be updated and made digitally accessible in RKDimages.
The research project and publication were made possible with the support of the Ministry of Culture Denmark and the Augustinus Foundation. More information about Dutch and Flemish Painting at The Nivaagaard Collection and purchasing options can be found in the RKD webshop.
