At the Rijksmuseum Research Library, green dust flaps have been keeping dust at bay since its opening in 1885. Designed by Rijksmuseum architect Pierre Cuypers, these dust flaps protect our collections, ensuring the library remains a treasure trove for researchers worldwide.

From the softness of fabric to the shimmer of ceramic and the vastness of the sky, these details showcase the many ways blue comes to life in the Rijksmuseum’s collection. Look closer - what hidden details catch your eye? 🚨 What do you see? https://t.co/F0vnYGvfCm

David is about to sling a stone at the giant Goliath. The sculpture is a political statement, for the biblical figure of David symbolizes the Italian general and patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi, who freed the city of Milan from the might of the Habsburg Empire (‘Goliath’). 🖼️ David,

The old woman is completely absorbed in her book. She carefully follows the text with her hand. The letters look Hebrew. What could she be reading? Perhaps the Old Testament, the word of God? Rembrandt most likely depicted a character from the Bible here, the prophetess Hannah.

Which type of weather is your favourite? 🌬️ From 1870, the fishing village of Scheveningen grew rapidly into a modern seaside resort. The painter Mesdag preferred to paint the traditional life of fishermen, but this picture is an exception: a light-house, or rather, a beacon. 🌊

From shimmering pearls to intricate metalwork, each earring in our collection tells a tale of craftsmanship and style through the ages. Look closer - can you imagine the people who wore these earrings and the moments they lived? ✨💎 🚨 What do you see? https://t.co/F0vnYGvfCm

While studying in Paris as a young man, Ekels came to appreciate 17th-century Dutch masters – such as Metsu and Ter Borch – who specialized in interior scenes with one or more figures. He made this painting, an example of this genre, upon returning to his native Amsterdam. Ekels

In 1653, Bernini made the model of the standing Triton, a mythical sea creature, for a the central statue of the southern fountain on Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most important squares. It is known as the Fontana del Moro. The final version of this impressive central figure was

Henriëtte Ronner's Cat with Kittens captures a quiet, intimate scene: a mother cat and her playful kittens, their tender connection reflected in the soft details of the painting. Ronner, known for her endearing depictions of cats, captured the affection and warmth that these

Since 1889, Amsterdam’s Central Station has blocked the link between the Damrak (a straight stretch of the Amstel River) and the IJ (the city’s former bay). Once an open body of water, the Damrak was turned into an inner harbour. Here, Breitner depicted the houses on the

Appearances can be deceiving. What at first sight looks to be an overturned lute is just an old wooden case for the instrument. The books, too, are a disappointment; they are merely empty bindings, limp covers of leather or parchment meant to hold bills and other documents. 📚

Jan Asselijn’s The Threatened Swan captures the dramatic scene of a swan fiercely defending her nest from a dog. While originally a naturalistic portrayal, it later took on political meaning: the white swan was seen as Johan de Witt, the statesman who defended the country against

This grid gives a glimpse into the characters of Rembrandt’s world. Style that transcends centuries - Rembrandt's portraits are a masterclass in capturing clothing and texture. From delicate lace and golden threads to heavy furs and woolen weaves, his brushwork captures every

Can’t you just feel the icy wind and falling snowflakes when looking at this print by was pioneering Japanese artist and designer Kamisaka Sekka (1866–1942)? ❄️ The print exemplifies Sekka’s mastery of the Rinpa style, a Japanese art tradition in which natural elements were

Falconet's Seated Cupid earned the nickname 'L’Amour Menaçant', ‘Menacing Love’, thanks to his mischievous gaze and the finger he raises to his lips, calling for secrecy. 👼 This sculpture was created in 1757 for Madame de Pompadour, the art-loving mistress of King Louis XV. ✨

This vibrant bouquet showcases over ten flower species and is alive with insects 🌸. Since these flowers bloom at different times, creating this in real life would be nearly impossible. But Ruysch’s deep study of flowers - both live and preserved -allowed her to paint them with

In the left background we see God, cautioning Adam and Eve. They may eat the fruit of all of the trees, except the tree of ‘the knowledge of good and evil’. Tempted by the serpent (with a human torso), Adam and Eve nevertheless eat the forbidden fruit, for which they were driven

A young woman, draped in luxurious yellow satin trimmed with fur, sits with anticipation in her eyes. She gazes at the smiling housemaid behind her, the mystery of the letter hanging in the air. 💌  Notice the cittern in her lap. Could it hint at love? Playing music was often a

For this winter landscape, Barend Koekkoek drew inspiration from the hilly region in Gelderland or the German region along the Lower Rhine. Unlike his imposing forest scenes, this work radiates tranquility. We see men taking a moment to rest by a sled loaded with firewood and

A woman in a blue jacket is studying a sheet of paper with musical notes. Her lips are slightly parted. Could she be singing the melody? Light falls through a window at the left, right onto the paper. You often see this effect in paintings by a famous 17th-century artist. He also