National Museum Cardiff
Until 2019
Rembrandt is a name that will leap off the tongue of hordes of art lovers if asked to name a classic artist of the 17th century, but delve a little deeper and it’s probable that many of us will be unable to name any of the Dutch master’s pieces of work.
National Museum Cardiff are hoping to change this after acquiring an impressive jewel in the art world’s crown; the three-year loan of what is considered one of Rembrandt van Rijn’s masterpieces, the Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet (1607-1685). The portrait, painted in the latter stages of Rembrandt’s life, was included in the critically acclaimed exhibition of his late works held at the National Gallery in London last year and has been widely regarded in the art world as the finest example of his work in Britain.
The £35m painting was made the subject of an export ban in 2015, with the government taking the unusual step of preventing the portrait from leaving British shores for abroad. The UK has housed this beguiling example of Baroque art for the past 250 years and it was deemed mission critical that the painting stayed in the country to inspire and engage with future generations of art lovers.
Catrina Hooghsaet is a thoroughly captivating subject, even more so when learning of her liberated lifestyle. She was a member of the Mennonite sect, a Christian group famed for shunning flamboyance and was married yet living separately from her preacher husband, a defiant act in itself for a 17th century woman. Her portrait, unusually commissioned by herself, is brooding yet accessible for a work of its stature. Rembrandt has allowed her to be viewed subjectively; she is part ethereal but mostly human, her lined hand slightly clenched and her face gentle yet hinting at a weathered complexion and equally pensive mood.
The National Museum of Wales are understandably delighted to display the Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet, with David Anderson, the Director General, saying, “This is a very special piece of art, which has great meaning and importance for Wales’ heritage.”
Admission: free. Info: 029 2039 7951 / www.museumwales.ac.uk
CHARLOTTE WELLS