The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach is hosting an exquisite exhibition, "Art and Life in Rembrandt's Time: Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection," a treasure trove of 70 works by 27 artists, including some of the most renowned Dutch Masters of all time. The collection, privately owned by Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan and his wife Daphne, comprises over 220 paintings and drawings, with a focus on 17th-century Dutch art.
Among the impressive array of works on display are several remarkable Rembrandt paintings, including "Unconscious Patient (Allegory of Smell)," which showcases the artist's extraordinary ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The painting depicts a patient fainting, while an elderly nurse tries to revive him with smelling salts and a bearded quack doctor looks on, wearing gold chains and adorned in a richly decorated coat.
The exhibition also features several self-portraits by Rembrandt, including "Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes," painted when he was just 23. The painting offers a glimpse into the artist's introspective nature and his ability to study himself. Another stunning work is "Minerva in Her Study," a magisterial painting that showcases Rembrandt's mastery of composition and light.
In addition to Rembrandt, the exhibition includes works by other prominent Dutch Masters such as Carel Fabritius, Jan Steen, Frans van Mieris, and Frans Hals. One of the highlights is a rare self-portrait by Jan Lievens, which demonstrates the young artist's remarkable talent for capturing his own likeness.
The exhibition also provides insight into the cultural and historical context in which these artists lived and worked. The Dutch Golden Age of painting was made possible by the establishment of the Dutch East India Company, which enabled the empire's expansion through maritime trade. The paintings on display would have traveled extensively, passing through various hands and experiencing different transformations over time.
The exhibition is a rare opportunity to see these masterpieces up close, thanks to Dr. Kaplan's generosity in sharing his collection with the public. As one of only five examples of Fabritius' historical works still extant, "Hagar and the Angel" is a breathtaking portrayal that captures the dramatic moment when the angel appears to answer the tormented pleas of a mother over her suffering child.
The exhibition will remain on view at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach until March 29, 2026.
Among the impressive array of works on display are several remarkable Rembrandt paintings, including "Unconscious Patient (Allegory of Smell)," which showcases the artist's extraordinary ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The painting depicts a patient fainting, while an elderly nurse tries to revive him with smelling salts and a bearded quack doctor looks on, wearing gold chains and adorned in a richly decorated coat.
The exhibition also features several self-portraits by Rembrandt, including "Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes," painted when he was just 23. The painting offers a glimpse into the artist's introspective nature and his ability to study himself. Another stunning work is "Minerva in Her Study," a magisterial painting that showcases Rembrandt's mastery of composition and light.
In addition to Rembrandt, the exhibition includes works by other prominent Dutch Masters such as Carel Fabritius, Jan Steen, Frans van Mieris, and Frans Hals. One of the highlights is a rare self-portrait by Jan Lievens, which demonstrates the young artist's remarkable talent for capturing his own likeness.
The exhibition also provides insight into the cultural and historical context in which these artists lived and worked. The Dutch Golden Age of painting was made possible by the establishment of the Dutch East India Company, which enabled the empire's expansion through maritime trade. The paintings on display would have traveled extensively, passing through various hands and experiencing different transformations over time.
The exhibition is a rare opportunity to see these masterpieces up close, thanks to Dr. Kaplan's generosity in sharing his collection with the public. As one of only five examples of Fabritius' historical works still extant, "Hagar and the Angel" is a breathtaking portrayal that captures the dramatic moment when the angel appears to answer the tormented pleas of a mother over her suffering child.
The exhibition will remain on view at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach until March 29, 2026.
! I mean, have you seen the level of detail in "Unconscious Patient (Allegory of Smell)"? It's like he's literally capturing your emotions on canvas 
. And that young Rembrandt self-portrait at 23 is mind-blowing - who knew Dutch Masters were so introspective? 
I also love how the exhibit highlights the cultural context, like the impact of the Dutch East India Company on art and trade. It's crazy to think about all these masterpieces traveling and evolving over time 
. The fact that Dr. Kaplan is sharing his collection with us is a total game-changer - it's like we're getting a peek into an exclusive club 
. I'm definitely planning to check this out ASAP 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to see those iconic masterpieces up close? But, let's be real, it's a bit crazy that Dr. Kaplan is sharing his entire collection with the public. Like, what if it gets lost or damaged in transit? 
The fact that they're loaning these pieces for just over a year feels like a risk to me. On the other hand, I get why he'd want to share this treasure trove of art with everyone - it's not every day you see such an incredible collection in one place. And, honestly, I'm kinda fascinated by the history behind these artists and how their works were influenced by the Dutch East India Company. It's like, who knew that a bunch of traders could have such a profound impact on art? 
I'm so down for this exhibit, Rembrandt's art is insane! 
His ability to capture his subjects' emotions and essence is just mind-blowing 
And those self-portraits? 
So introspective and revealing of the artist's personality. I'm especially loving "Hagar and the Angel" - it's like you're right there with them 
The fact that Dr. Kaplan is sharing his collection with the public is a total win for art lovers everywhere 
. i've been waiting for this exhibit to come to the us for ages and it's finally happening! can't wait to get my art fix and learn more about these incredible artists and their works. 
. And the fact that it's from this private collection, owned by Dr. Kaplan, makes it even more special. I love how they're showcasing not just Rembrandt's works but also other Dutch Masters like Carel Fabritius and Jan Steen 
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. Can't wait to check out this exhibit when it comes to town in March 
. So yeah, this exhibit is not just about seeing beautiful art, it's about understanding where it came from and what it means to us today 
I mean, who needs social life when you can spend your Saturday afternoon gazing at centuries-old paintings all day? and $15 to see Rembrandt's masterpieces? sounds like a total bargain to me 
at least it's not like they're charging us per eyelash or something... anyone seen the new exhibit at the Met? I hear it's, like, actually worth seeing