Two new Rembrandts

The Amsterdam Rijksmuseum has rediscovered two small portraits by Rembrandt. The 1635 portraits of Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and Jaapgen Caerlsdr. disappeared from view for almost two centuries, before resurfacing two years ago. After in-depth research, the Rijksmuseum has established the identities of the sitters and further substantiated their attribution to Rembrandt. The paintings are significant not only because they are the smallest formal portraits Rembrandt ever made, but also because Jan and Jaapgen were members of the artist’s family circle. The pair was purchased by the Holterman family earlier this year and are being given on long-term loan to the Rijksmuseum. They are exhibited from 13 December 2023.