Morgan Library Exhibit Explores Rembrandt’s Portrayal of Exile

The Morgan Library & Museum in New York has opened a new exhibition titled “Rembrandt’s Lions: Art and Exile in the Dutch Republic.” The show examines how the 17th-century artist Rembrandt van Rijn depicted displaced people, refugees, and migrants within his work.

Key Exhibition Details

• Focus on displacement: The collection highlights Rembrandt’s artistic response to the influx of refugees and migrants arriving in the Netherlands during the 17th century.
• Historical context: The exhibition situates Rembrandt’s etchings and drawings within the broader social environment of the Dutch Republic, a haven for many fleeing persecution.
• Artistic perspective: Curators emphasize how the artist captured the humanity and struggles of marginalized figures rather than portraying them as caricatures.
• Rare collection: The show features a selection of works that demonstrate the artist’s engagement with themes of migration, exile, and social integration.

Rembrandt and the Dutch Republic

During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic served as a destination for individuals escaping religious and political persecution across Europe. Rembrandt lived and worked in Amsterdam, a city that became a hub for these populations. The exhibition argues that the artist’s work reflects this demographic shift, offering a visual record of the era’s social complexity.

The Morgan Library presents these works to illustrate how Rembrandt utilized his medium to document the presence of “others” in Dutch society. By focusing on the lives of these individuals, the exhibition aims to provide insight into how the artist navigated themes of identity and belonging. The displayed materials include various etchings that reveal the artist’s technical approach to depicting the faces and experiences of those seeking refuge.

Why it matters: This exhibition connects historical artistic responses to migration with contemporary global conversations. By examining how 17th-century artists documented the arrival of displaced populations, the show offers a historical lens on the enduring challenges and humanitarian considerations surrounding refugees and exiles.