Maarten van Heemskerck
One exhibition in three museums
27.09.2024 - 19.01.2025
Teylers Museum
Adults
Maarten van Heemskerck (Heemskerk, 1498 - Haarlem, 1574) is one of the most important 16th-century artists from the Northern Netherlands. The Frans Hals Museum, Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar and Teylers Museum show – 450 years after his death – the first and largest overview of his work. In order to present his extensive and diverse oeuvre, the three leading North Holland museums combine space and knowledge. Each museum shows a chapter from Heemskerck's fascinating life. Discover the expressive, theatrical work of the Dutch Renaissance artist.
In the Print Room, Teylers Museum shows prints by Maarten van Heemskerck. Heemskerck is one of the most successful artists from the 16th century in the Netherlands. He not only owes this to his talent, but also to a good sense of entrepreneurship. After returning from Italy, he drew large-scale print designs, following the example of artists such as Raphael. However, he outsources the time-consuming job of engraving and etching, printing and selling to professional engravers.
Dirck Volkertsz. Coornhert, after Maarten van Heemskerck, The birth of Isaac, 1549.
Noord-Hollands Archief, Haarlem
As a result, he had a large production and quickly gained fame, because almost all prints of his design bear his name. Biblical representations, lessons for everyday life and the history of the world: the purpose of Heemskerck's designs is education. Heemskerck's prints are a source of inspiration for many artists. This also applies to Rembrandt, who copies parts for his own prints. Teylers Museum has an important collection of 16th-century drawings and prints, including work by Heemskerck. A selection of his most beautiful prints will be on view, supplemented with loans from the North Holland Archives and the Rijksmuseum.
Philips Galle, after Maarten van Heemskerck, The Colosseum in Rome, 1572.
Noord-Hollands Archief, Haarlem
