The Golden Age of Dutch Painting
After a major restoration lasting ten years, the Rijksmuseum has recently reopened to great acclaim.
Once more it will be possible to see the museum’s amazing collection centred on a series of galleries devoted to the Golden Age of Dutch painting, with Rembrandt’s Night Watch as the centrepiece.
The tree-lined canals are lined with handsome, brick houses with their characteristic Dutch gables. There is much else to see in the city: magnificent paintings in Rembrandt’s House and the Van Gogh Museum, and the secret Catholic church of Our Lady of the Attic.
We will be visiting some of the most interesting private houses whose treasures were acquired by the rich burghers who made Amsterdam the most prosperous commercial centre in Europe. From Amsterdam we will explore the fascinating towns nearby, all major art centres in their own right: Haarlem, the home of Frans Hals, leading exponent of the Dutch Baroque and sleepy, unspoilt Delft, home of the world famous blue and white pottery.
Hotel: The Amstel Intercontinental Hotel in Amsterdam combines modern luxury with the grandeur of a 19th residence on the banks of the River Amstel. The riverside terrace and restaurant offer wonderful views of the passing water traffic.
Lecturer: Charles FitzRoy
Tour Leaders: Charles FitzRoy and Jane Rae