Portret van een moeder en kind, vermoedelijk een kopie naar een zeventiende-eeuws schilderij 1827 - 1891

Johannes Bosboom made this watercolor of a mother and child in the 19th century, likely as a copy of a 17th-century painting. This act of copying was a common practice in art education at the time. Bosboom, like many artists, engaged with the art of the past to learn technique and style. But beyond mere imitation, such acts reflect a conscious dialogue with artistic tradition. In the Netherlands, the 17th century was a golden age, a period of immense national pride. By emulating the artists of that era, Bosboom taps into a sense of cultural identity and perhaps a longing for a perceived past glory. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a crucial role here. Its collection shapes what is valued and remembered. By displaying Bosboom's copy alongside original 17th-century works, the museum invites us to consider how artistic styles evolve, how national identity is constructed, and how artists engage with their predecessors. Art history is a continuous conversation, and museums are its primary stage.