Famous 17th-century oil paintings: who wouldn’t want one hanging on their walls at home?

Fortunately, there are reproductions, some hundreds of years old. Earlier reproductions were usually prints, such as etchings and engravings. Even Rembrandt and other masters frequently allowed copies of their important paintings to be made in this way. In the 18th and 19th century, new techniques were developed, such as mezzotint and lithography. Reproductions helped bolster the reputation and fame of painters and their work. With the introduction of photography around 1850, classic reproduction methods gradually disappeared and made way for photo reproduction.

This exhibition gives a general impression of the reproduction print phenomenon; for the most part, these are extremely accomplished examples of craftsmanship and artistic ability. The works shown here are from the collections of the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum.