Art from the past and the present

The museum’s collection contains art works from every period, including paintings by Isaac Israels, Jan van Goyen and Jurriaen Pool II. The paintings depict images that are related to taxes. Just how topical taxes are, is reflected in the work of modern artists like Aad de Haas, Toon van de Muysenberg, visual artist Caspar Berger, silver- and goldsmith Huub Rogier and kinetic artist Reuben Margolin. You can admire these tax-inspired artworks in the museum.

The Gold Weigher by Rembrandt

Object: etching, print

In this print, Rembrandt depicts Receiver-General Jan Uytenbogaert. In 1632, Uytenbogaert was appointed chief tax receiver of Holland: the print shows him weighing small money bags containing tax monies and packing them in barrels. Uytenbogaert studied in Leiden and it is probably there that he met Rembrandt. In the 18th century, the print acquired a nickname: “The Gold Weigher”.

Ashanti Dancers by Israels

Object: painting

The Ashanti dancers toured the Netherlands in around 1900. The Large Ashanti Caravans visited Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. In all likelihood, it is dancers from these caravans that we see depicted in Israels‘ painting. The Ashanti Kingdom was one of the first states to introduce a sophisticated tax system.

Balance by Reuben Margolin

Object: kinetic sculpture

American artist Reuben Margolin was commissioned to create the kinetic sculpture Balance to commemorate the reopening of the museum in 2012. The sculpture was made specially for the high, narrow space of the entrance hall where it hangs, a glassed-in connecting space between the buildings on Parklaan.