Museum
Noordbrabants Museum
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
Noordbrabants Museum is a museum in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. 1 work from its collection is in this catalog, including Vincent van Gogh.
About Noordbrabants Museum
Overview
The Noordbrabants Museum is a regional museum located in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, dedicated to the art, history, and culture of the province of North Brabant. It is the only museum in South Netherlands to hold original works by Vincent van Gogh. The institution focuses on artifacts and artists with direct ties to the province, covering a timeline from prehistory to the present day. The museum aims to play a significant role on the national level while maintaining a strong regional identity.
History & Founding
The museum originated from the Provincial Society for Arts and Sciences. Its first location was on the first floor of the Latin School on the Papenhorst. It later moved to the 'Big Arsenal,' a former St James church converted into a stable and barracks, which was deemed suitable for a museum with a large library. The society agreed to a lease of 200 guilders, with architect Oscar Leeew tasked with renovations. The museum officially opened in this location, hosting various exhibitions on literature, archaeology, and local history. In 1928, the 'Friends of the Society' began acquiring modern art, purchasing a painting by Jan Sluyters.
Building & Architecture
The current museum is housed in a stately building known as the 'Gouvernement,' which formerly served as the residence of the governor. The building features an eighteenth-century sandstone facade. The structure was adapted for museum use, with a central hall created to accommodate the collections. The site also includes the Paleistuin (Palace Garden), which houses various sculptures and can be viewed from within the museum. The move to this location occurred in September 1967, marking a significant expansion and modernization of the institution.
Collection Highlights
The collection spans from prehistoric times to the present. A major highlight is the Van Gogh collection, which includes 13 works (5 owned, 8 on permanent loan) focusing on his time in North Brabant, particularly Nuenen. Notable works include 'The Potato Eaters' and the 2020 acquisition of 'Head of a Woman' (Kop van een Vrouw), a study for the former. The historical section features paintings such as Jan Peeters' depictions of the Sint-Jan interior. The museum also holds works by artists active from 1925 onwards, with a focus on those connected to the province, including Jan Sluyters.
Significance & Legacy
The Noordbrabants Museum is unique in South Netherlands for its possession of original Vincent van Gogh works, specifically those depicting the local landscape and objects that still exist in the region. Its collection strategy emphasizes local ties, making it a vital resource for understanding North Brabant's cultural heritage. The museum has hosted significant events, such as the fifth national congress of librarians in 1927. Under the curatorship of Charles de Mooij, the institution continues to balance its regional focus with national ambitions, presenting exhibitions that range from local history to contemporary art.
Works from Noordbrabants Museum
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Noordbrabants Museum