RKD Nederlands Instituut voor Kunstgeschiedenis

The knowledge institute of the visual arts of the Low Countries

The RKD — Netherlands Institute for Art History offers museums, academic community and the public a wealth of collections, knowledge and publications for extensive research and inspiration
 

About the RKD

CURRENT

News and recent developments

Betty van Garrel

Striking figures
A female art critic that opposed the 'pedantic old gentlemen' of Dutch art criticism.
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Winter issue Oud Holland

News
Adriaan de Vries and Nicolaas de Roever, a 140-year-old friendship.
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Cover Oud Holland 2024-4, jaargang 137

Call for papers

News
In preparation of the Marks on Art symposium on 30 October 2025.
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Marks on art call for paper symposium

COLLECTION

Dive into the RKD collection

Our collection includes the world's largest art history library, over 2.5 kilometres of archival material, many digital data, documentation and technical information on art

Archieven

Library

From general art literature, art lexicons, artists' books and preciosa to the large collection of auction catalogues.

Archives

You can view archive material at the RKD. Request an archive at least two days in advance.

Digital data

With RKD Research, you search seven databases containing millions of data.

START RESEARCH

Begin your research

Doing your own art history research? Start online with RKD Research, check out one of the other websites, or drop by our study room in The Hague. We are happy to help!

Onderzoek doen

Check out the various research platforms

Like Van Gogh Worldwide, Mondrian Papers and the Rembrandt Database.

Visit the RKD

Do research in our study room, take part in an event and view our exhibition.

Search the RKD Research databases

Get started right away and begin your research online!

KNOWLEGDE & PUBLICATIONS

Results of art historical research

As a knowledge institute, we work closely with museums, heritage institutions and universities. Besides a research role, the RKD serves a public function. Our staff contributes to publications and exhibitions
 

 

Unwavering legacy: 18th-century women artists in the RKD database

RKD Story
Romy Kerkhof talks about her internship project at the RKD, which revolves around female artists.
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Catalogue of a Danish collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings

News
Years of research resulting in the book Dutch and Flemish Painting at The Nivaagaard Collection.
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Social structures of seventeenth-century Brussels painters

News
New book publication Painters and Communities in Seventeenth-Century Brussels: A Social History of Art.
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Several times a year the RKD sends out a digital newsletter in both Dutch and English, in which we keep you posted on the latest news and inform you about our activities.