Rijksmuseum receives unique 17th-century sketchbook

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has been gifted a unique 17th-century sketchbook by the Amsterdam family Van Eeghen. This so-called Van Eeghen Sketchbook contains thirty drawings, a large part of which was created by the Frisian painter Rombout Uylenburgh.

The sketchbook is particularly special because it has remained fully intact. This is remarkable for a work of this age, especially given the limited exposure to light, which has contributed to the excellent condition of the drawings.

Rombout Uylenburgh, known as the court painter for Polish King Sigismund III, has a limited oeuvre. Apart from this sketchbook, only two other drawings by him have surfaced after his death.

The drawings in the book are, according to experts, still as stunning in color as they were four hundred years ago, which enhances the art-historical value of the work.

The donation of this sketchbook is seen as an important addition to the museum's collection, which focuses on the preservation and presentation of Dutch art and culture.

Not much is known about the further history of the sketchbook, and experts are therefore curious about its provenance and the story behind this extraordinary donation.