PAST EXHIBITION

De Bentvueghels

A notorious art society in Rome.

This exhibition tells the particular story of a group of artists from the Northern and Southern Netherlands, who united in Rome around 1620 in the artist group 'The Bentvueghels'. The distinctive name of this group derives from how the members saw themselves; namely as a group of colorful birds. With their rites and customs, they parodied the two official 'sacred houses' of Italy: the Roman Catholic Church and the Accademia di San Luca. The compatriots partied and drank, but the binding factor was their painting profession.

Just like the great artists from the collection of the Centraal Museum; Van Baburen, Ter Brugghen and Honthorst, who could be admired in the exhibition Caravaggio, Utrecht and Europe, these painters were also inspired during their stay in Rome. The Centraal Museum is therefore the most logical place to tell this story about wanderlust, group formation, love for Rome and in particular artistry. Because whatever your background, where you come from or how old you are: everyone recognises the feeling of wanting to belong to a group, to explore and be inspired.

Centraal Laat

On April 6 and May 11, Centraal Laat will be held during The Bentvueghels. Click here for the events.

Media guide

Enrich your visit to The Bentvueghels with the free media guide. In the media guide, students reflect on the works of the Bentvueghels from their own experiences as a student. What do they see with their contemporary eyes when they look at the works of their peers from 400 years ago?

The media guide can be used directly on your smartphone by scanning the QR code. Or open the media guide via this link. Bring your own headphones or earphones.

Thanks to

Image: Pieter van Laer, Self-Portrait with Magic Scene, ca. 1635-1637, The Leiden Collection, New York⁠ / Pieter van Laer, Landscape with Hunters, 1640, Mauritshuis, Den Haag⁠. Design by HouseTMM, commissoned by Centraal Museum, 2022⁠.