A book containing a pair of “private” sketches by Rembrandt will travel outside his native Netherlands for the first time since he drew them nearly 400 years ago.
The Dulwich Picture Gallery is being loaned the “friendship book”, which belonged the Dutch master’s patron and friend Jan Six, for its forthcoming exhibition Rembrandt’s Light.
The show marks 350 years since his death and gathers 35 works to explore the artist’s use of light.
The sketches, Minerva In Her Study and Homer Reciting Verses, were made in 1652. In the exhibition, the book will be opened on the drawing of the Roman goddess of wisdom in Six’s study.
Baron Jan Six van Hillegom, of the Collectie Six gallery in Amsterdam and a direct descendant of Jan Six, said: “It is important to me to share this incredibly special and private work of Rembrandt’s.
“This is an important work in what will be a beautiful exhibition.”
The Dulwich Picture Gallery exhibition runs from October 4 to February 2
