Visiting my dear friends Rob and Priya in Amsterdam Noord, takes me through Vliegenbos first, the entrance to their home at the water, a forest area you will appreciate even more during heatwaves as it is a cooling off area, pure nature, and beats any air conditioning. It is a protected area and you wonder what the Industry is doing to Nature at large when it gives us everything we need, including its freshness.

There is an exhibition on Ed van der Elsken, the late Dutch photographer who was a pioneer in photographing people and characters in plain expression. Another interest of mine is to see the works of Rembrandt. Two incomparable artists in art form though what they have in common is depicting the human side in people. Rob, a retired photographer, has known Ed van der Elsken and knows what it takes to become famous.

The Rijksmuseum contains both, the photo exhibition and the Rembrandt paintings. I didn’t know that Ed van der Elsken was from an earlier generation than mine, it surely shows he was far ahead in broadmindedness than my parents. He was born in 1925 and died in 1990, and belongs to the breakthrough period of the Sixties, when people and individuals pushed for their freedom. Mainly street photography and personal, intimate documentary images, including short films. I am pleased with my bold breakthrough generation.

After having viewed this historic photo exhibition, Priya and Rob head for home whereas I stay on to proceed with the permanent painting exhibition that includes Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer. I walk to the Information Desk and ask- where can I find the Night Watch? I go straight to the 2nd floor and see to my amazement a wall-sized Night Watch in front of me, but something is missing, it is not protected. It is a very good copy. Walking inside I discover the magic that the real Night Watch emanates. Even hanging far behind thick glass with a restoration scaffolding in front of it, it shines. It is truly majestic.

The self portrait of Rembrandt as apostle Paul is explained as his criticism of the early Christians who had sectarian tendencies, something that saint Paul had warned about. Famous for his refined and unique use of light and shade and colors in his paintings, Rembrandt was also a broadminded individual for his time, in thinking and in action. Another touching surprise is to see the famous Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, a tiny painting glinting with rich colors as well as his renowned Love Letter, a narrow piece copiously framed in dark wood.

Such an enriching visit to the Rijksmuseum takes time to assimilate. I am happy that I did take photos. Great museums do contribute in upholding the beauty of age old art that also keeps inspiring centuries later. My last lovely evening in Amsterdam I spend with Rob and Priya at their waterside, when the sun descends and the colors fade into darkness, with just a glimpse of light to reflect the other shore in quiet water.

All Photos Copyright © 2019-2026 August Timmermans – All Rights Reserved

To Be Continued

Myself at the waterside – photo by Priya