Rembrandt show at revamped gallery

Sep 15 2012

A popular gallery is reopening with an exhibition of work by one of the world's most famous artists.

Paintings by Rembrandt will be on display at the Hunterian Art Gallery in the University of Glasgow until December following the completion of a nine-month refurbishment.

The exhibition, called Rembrandt and the Passion, tells the story of the Dutch artist's commission to complete a series of work on the Passion of Christ for the country's royalty between 1632 and 1646.

Central to the exhibition will be the Entombment painting, which has been loaned to the Hunterian from the Alte Pinakothek gallery in Munich.

A total of about 43 works will be on display, with 22 of them by Rembrandt. The remainder include important pieces by the likes of Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Lievens and Federico Barocci.

Curator Peter Black said: "This exhibition really tells a story; it brings together examples of Passion paintings and drawings in order to show how Rembrandt developed our 'Entombment' painting. There are interesting relationships with works by his contemporaries."

The art gallery had closed in January to complete extensive renovations and more space has been created to host paintings and exhibitions.

The gallery hosts the world's largest display of works by James McNeill Whistler and a collection of Scottish art ranging from the 18th century to the present.

Professor David Gaimster, director of the Hunterian museum and gallery, said: "Creating this special exhibition at the Hunterian is a great way to mark the relaunch of our art collections.

"Rembrandt and the Passion is one of the most significant exhibitions to be held here in our 200-year history. It offers a unique opportunity for researchers and members of the public to study these world-famous works together and at first-hand."