Famous artworks in Amsterdam you absolutely shouldn’t miss
Amsterdam is a treasure trove for art lovers, boasting an incredible collection of masterpieces that span centuries and movements. From Dutch Golden Age paintings to modern and contemporary art, the city’s museums house iconic works that draw visitors from across the globe. Prepare to be inspired as we guide you through some of the must-see artworks on display in the Dutch capital.
Sunflowers, Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh is arguably the most famous of Dutch artists, and his series of sunflowers are among his most celebrated. In the Van Gogh Museum, you get the chance to see one of the five in the series – the rest of these golden masterpieces are scattered across the globe. If seeing all five is on your bucket list, you’re in luck: with the help of Willem van Gogh, the great-grandnephew of Vincent van Gogh, you can get a virtual 360-degree tour of all five on Facebook. The museum also holds a vast collection of iconic paintings including The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom, and Almond Blossoms. Also, one of Van Gogh’s famous self-portraits is on show at the Rijksmuseum.
The Night Watch, Rembrandt van Rijn
There is more than one reason that The Night Watch get its own room in the Rijksmuseum: not only is the painting gigantic (3.63 by 4.37 metres, or nearly 12 by 14 feet), it’s gigantically famous. The Night Watch Gallery, especially designed to showcase the painting, quickly fills with dozens of eager viewers. Join the throng to admire all the details of the iconic painting – and the room itself.
The Milkmaid, Johannes Vermeer
The 17th century was a grand time for artists, and dozens of painters produced some of the world’s best works of art. The Milkmaid is one of the most recognisable works from Vermeer, and it’s considered a prize of the Rijksmuseum, with its exquisite natural lighting and realistic depiction of country life.
Composition No. IV With Red, Blue and Yellow, Piet Mondrian
The red, blue and yellow squares separated by thick black lines has become an iconic, easily recognisable work of art – it’s all Mondrian. There are dozens of iterations on the theme, but this classic representation is one of the best. Visit this icon at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, which proudly displays modern and contemporary art. For more Mondriaan in the Netherlands, check out the Kr\u00f6ller-M\u00fcller Museum in Otterlo.
Jacqueline Kennedy II, Andy Warhol
In the ‘60s, Andy Warhol revolutionised art with his pop culture icons and factory line production. His work celebrated subjects that were familiar to everyday people – think the tomato soup cans – as well as high profile celebrities, such as his famous Marilyn Monroe series. Jacqueline Kennedy II depicts the former First Lady after the tragic assassination of her husband.
As I Opened Fire, Roy Lichtenstein
Like Warhol, American artist Roy Lichtenstein brought pop art into fine art prominence. His piece As I Opened Fire is a great example of his unique style: derived from a comic book, this work features three panels, called a triptych, alongside exaggerated lettering, the use of primary colours and the narrative from the comic itself, albeit slightly altered.
La Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Cezanne
The mountain of Sainte-Victoire was a recurring motif for Cezanne, and featured in over 40 of his paintings and 45 watercolours. This painting is one of Cezanne’s early depictions of the scene. It was painted in a post-impressionist style, depicting not what the eye can see, but seeking to balance the mind with the eye and embody the feeling of this natural landscape. You can see this painting, as well as Cezanne’s Bottles and Peaches at the Stedelijk Museum.
Amsterdam truly offers an unparalleled journey through art history. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic brushstrokes of Van Gogh, the intricate details of Rembrandt, or the bold statements of modern masters, these iconic artworks promise to leave a lasting impression. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural tapestry of this captivating city.
