Today I went with my s.i.l. to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. There was a new exhibition called Remember me, paintings painted between 1500 and 1600. The paintings in this collage are the ones that spoke to me the most.
But I want to tell you more about the lady in the middle. After her husband died in 1528, Beetke van Rasquert assumed his administrative and judicial tasks in the Vredewold region of the province of Groningen.This was unusual, but equally exceptional is the fact that she asked an artist to paint an independent portrait of her. In the Netherlands, non-noble women were generally only portrayed as a pendant to their husband. The portrait shows power and independence in everything. For example in the frontal pose, which can also be seen with the dog. (Information from the Rijksmuseum). I found her story quite extraordinary especially considering the time frame.
A friend and I have a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam booked for mid July, arriving in Amsterdam on 6th August then we are planning an extra few days in Amsterdam. Of course this all depends on this rotten covid business but I hope it will all be sorted by then.
I have never heard of those courtyards or hofjes as I found out they are called but Mr google has helped me out and they look very interesting. We would love for you to show us a bit if it can be arranged.
