Sikkens colour experts develop special shade for rare display of Dutch master's artwork.
The world's largest Rembrandt collection has gone on rare display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam – and AkzoNobel is helping to show it off at its best.
The "All the Rembrandts" exhibition features 22 paintings, 60 drawings and more than 300 prints created by the Dutch Master. AkzoNobel's Sikkens paint brand was asked to develop a special purple-blue colour for the walls, to help the artist's celebrated work stand out.
Being staged to mark the 350th year since he died, it's the first time the Rijksmuseum has displayed its entire Rembrandt collection in one exhibition.
The colour palette for the walls was selected in collaboration with designer Irma Boom, who was responsible for the exhibition concept and graphic design. At her request, the purple-blue shade was compiled by Sikkens colour experts, so that the works could be displayed against a lively and more contemporary backdrop.
Exploring different aspects of Rembrandt's life and work, the exhibition is divided into three sections. The first presents the milestones of his career as a young artist, the second focuses on his surroundings and the people in his life, while the third shows him as a gifted storyteller.
AkzoNobel has strong links with the Rijksmuseum, having made a major contribution to its extensive, decade-long renovation. The company developed a special colour palette (known as the Sikkens RIJKS Colors), which closely matched the paint originally used by architect Pierre Cuypers when the museum opened in 1885.
As a result, the main building's wall and ceiling decorations were returned to their former glory. Sikkens products were also used on the exterior, with around 8,000 litres of paint being supplied in total.
The "All the Rembrandts" exhibition runs until June 10.