Amsterdam Museum Bans 'Golden Age' Term for 17th-Century Netherlands
The Amsterdam Museum has decided to stop using the term 'Golden Age' (Gouden Eeuw) to refer to the 17th-century Netherlands, arguing that the phrase glosses over negative aspects of the period such as war, slavery, and poverty. Curator Tom van der Molen stated that the term is tied to national pride and prosperity but ignores historical realities like forced labor and human trafficking. The museum will rename its permanent exhibition 'Portraits of the Golden Age' to 'Portraits of the 17th Century' and update all panels and labels. A symposium on more inclusive storytelling about the 17th century is scheduled for September 29, 2019.
Key facts
- The Amsterdam Museum bans the term 'Golden Age' (Gouden Eeuw) for the 17th-century Netherlands.
- The museum argues the term ignores poverty, war, slavery, and forced labor.
- Curator Tom van der Molen made the announcement.
- The permanent exhibition 'Portraits of the Golden Age' will be renamed 'Portraits of the 17th Century'.
- All museum panels and labels will be updated in the coming months.
- A symposium on inclusive historical storytelling will be held on September 29, 2019.
- The 17th century was a period of economic and military power for the Dutch Republic.
- Artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals are associated with the Golden Age.
Entities
Artists
- Rembrandt
- Vermeer
- Jacob van Ruisdael
- Frans Hals
Institutions
- Amsterdam Museum
Locations
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands