The Latest Breaking News from Rijksmuseum

Brighten up dark January with our one-a-day selection of works of art chosen and introduced by the Observer’s art critic

Our critic’s highlights included spotlit Vermeer, mouse-fur beauty spots, Donatello saints, Alice Neel’s New Yorkers and the reopening of an underloved institution

A pair of small portraits by 17th-century Dutch Master Rembrandt van Rijn have gone on display after a long-term loan to the Netherlands’ national art and history museum

Often overshadowed by his contemporary Rembrandt, the 17th-century Haarlem artist is revealed to be a genius of the telling portrait in this first showcase of his work in 30 years

Artefacts taken from Balinese royal palace among items being returned – but do not include prehistoric ‘Java man’

Exclusive: Decision to not lend work for major exhibition taken despite assurances risk of damage was ‘negligible’, FoI reveals

Tattoo artists will offer original designs inspired by the master painter at his former home in Amsterdam

On the website of the Rijksmuseum, the blockbuster exhibition on Johannes Vermeer (10 February – 4 June 2023) is branded “the largest exhibition ever”. However, visitors’ hopes are soon dashed by a note informing them the show is sold out. “All of Vermeer’s works can still be admired via the online…

This elegantly produced tour of the Rijksmuseum’s blockbuster exhibition allows you to enjoy leisurely closeups without having to fight through the crowds

As the biggest ever show of the artist’s work is unveiled in Amsterdam, we retrace the enigmatic painter’s footsteps in Delft and also The Hague

Moments of profound absorption, a glance, a letter… the mystery and stillness of the Dutch master’s work deepens the closer you get in this near-perfect show