Rare Exhibit
It’s a celebration of 17th-century Dutch painting as the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park presents Girl With a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis now through June 2, 2013. The de Young has the honor of being the first museum in the United States to host this travelling exhibition from The Hague’s Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis. It’s the first time in 30 years that the prestigious Dutch museum has lent out a significant number of its works. A massive renovation at the Mauristhuis makes this tour possible. Formerly the residence John Maurice of Nassau, the Mauristhuis became an art museum in 1822, and now houses one the greatest collections in Europe.
Dutch Golden Age
The de Young is hosting this exhibit, featuring an impressive collection of works from the Dutch Golden Age, in the Herbst Exhibition Galleries. Joining Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring are Vase of Flowers by Rachel Ruysch, Goldfinch by Carel Fabritius, specially restored for this tour, and more. Of course no collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings would be complete without a few works by Rembrandt. Man with a Feathered Beret is one of the featured paintings in the travelling collection, and those attending this special exhibit will also gain access to Rembrandt’s Century, which is being shown in adjacent galleries. The de Young is located in beautiful Golden Gate Park and has been a haven for art lovers since 1895. The park, in the city’s northwest, is one of the most visited city parks in the nation. Often compared to New York City’s Central Park, it is 20% bigger than that iconic commons. For more information on the de Young and the Girl With a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis exhibit, as well as museum hours and directions, visit girl.famsf.org.