Historic Exhibition Of Rembrandt Paintings Unveiled At Toronto's AGO

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is currently the venue for a notable exhibition, "Painted Presence: Rembrandt and His Peers," which is drawing attention for its comprehensive showcase of 17th-century Dutch paintings. This exhibition, enriched by the contributions from The Bader Collection at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, features an array of 15 still-life paintings, interiors, and portraits. The collaboration between Adam Harris Levine, AGO Associate Curator of European Art, and Suzanne van de Meerendonk, Bader Curator of European Art at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, has brought this exhibition to life.

Among the highlights of this exhibition are seven works by the celebrated Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. This marks a significant occasion as it is the most substantial number of Rembrandt's works ever displayed together in Toronto within a public museum setting. Noteworthy pieces include two striking oil on canvas portraits: the AGO's "Portrait of a Woman with a Lap Dog" (circa 1665) and Agnes's "Portrait of a Man with Arms Akimbo" (1658), alongside three smaller studies of heads and two paintings attributed to Rembrandt.

The exhibition delves into the cultural and societal contexts of 17th-century Dutch society, offering insights into its fashions, vanities, trade practices, and perspectives on aging. It presents an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Dutch painting and explore the oeuvre of Rembrandt and his contemporaries. Furthermore, it addresses the complexities involved in attributing certain works to Rembrandt, highlighting the ongoing debates over paintings such as the AGO's "Portrait of a Woman with a Handkerchief" (circa 1644), currently attributed to the Studio of Rembrandt, and "Portrait of a Woman, probably Hendrickje Stoffels" (circa 1653), attributed to his student Jacobus Leveck.

"Painted Presence: Rembrandt and his Peers" will be accessible at the AGO until February 2026. The exhibition is open to Indigenous Peoples, AGO Members, and Annual Passholders free of charge. Same-day tickets are available both in person and online. Additionally, on March 20, 2024, the co-curators will host a talk titled "What Makes a Rembrandt?" offering further insights into the master's works.

The Bader Collection plays a crucial role in this exhibition. As the most significant collection of Old Masters in any Canadian university art gallery, it boasts over 500 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the fourteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries. This collection has significantly enhanced the international reputation of Agnes's collections.

The AGO stands as one of North America's largest art museums and is currently undergoing its seventh expansion. Its collection spans over 120,000 works ranging from contemporary art and Indigenous Canadian artists to European masterpieces. The museum receives funding from various sources including the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.