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The knowledge institute of the visual arts of the Low Countries

The RKD — Netherlands Institute for Art History offers museums, academic community and the public a wealth of collections, knowledge and publications for extensive research and inspiration

About the RKD

CURRENT

News and recent developments

Your opinion is important! Take part in our user survey

News
We’re giving away 5 copies of Mondrian and Photography to lucky participants.
Read more about Your opinion is important! Take part in our user survey

Marks on Art database shortlisted for Digital Innovation of the Year

News
The Marks on Art database is shortlisted for Digital Innovation of the Year. The shortlist was compiled by Apollo - The International Art Magazine.
Read more about Marks on Art database shortlisted for Digital Innovation of the Year
Oproep marks on art

Artists' associations archives now available digitally

News
The archives of Arti et Amicitiae and De Onafhankelijken have been digitised up to approximately 1950.
Read more about Artists' associations archives now available digitally
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COLLECTION

Dive into the RKD collection

Our collection includes the world's largest art history library, over 2.5 kilometres of archival material, many digital data, documentation and technical information on art

Archieven

Library

From general art literature, art lexicons, artists' books and preciosa to the large collection of auction catalogues.

Archives

You can view archive material at the RKD. Request an archive at least two days in advance.

Digital data (links to external website)

With RKD Research, you search seven databases containing millions of data.

START RESEARCH

Begin your research

Doing your own art history research? Start online with RKD Research, check out one of the other websites, or drop by our study room in The Hague. We are happy to help!

Onderzoek doen

Check out the various research platforms

Like Van Gogh Worldwide, Mondrian Papers and the Rembrandt Database.

Visit the RKD

Do research in our study room, take part in an event and view our exhibition.

Search the RKD Research databases (links to external website)

Get started right away and begin your research online!

KNOWLEGDE & PUBLICATIONS

Results of art historical research

As a knowledge institute, we work closely with museums, heritage institutions and universities. Besides a research role, the RKD serves a public function. Our staff contributes to publications and exhibitions
 

 

Concealed beneath the paint layers of Pieter Lastman’s work

News
In the RKD Study, the artist’s working method is examined in remarkable detail using infrared reflectography (IRR).
Read more about Concealed beneath the paint layers of Pieter Lastman’s work
Pieter Lastman De ontmoeting van Odysseus en Nausikaä, 1619 gedateerd, München, Alte Pinakothek, inv.cat_.nr_. 4947 © Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen.jpg

Broken Chains - The National Slavery Monument as a beacon of remembrance

RKD Story
Jonas van Kappel writes about the National Slavery Monument, made by Surinamese artist Erwin de Vries.
Read more about Broken Chains - The National Slavery Monument as a beacon of remembrance
Ontwerptekening slavernijmonument Erwin de Vries

RKD Podcast: Helene Schemel

Podcast
An art dealer who founded her own art gallery after her husband's death.
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Subscribe to our newsletter

Several times a year the RKD sends out a digital newsletter in both Dutch and English, in which we keep you posted on the latest news and inform you about our activities.