The depth and variety of museum collections across the world is extraordinary. But how much do most of us really know about museums outside our local area? International loan exhibitions and other collaborative events may give a taste of the impressive collections in other parts of the world, but they can rarely do more than scratch the surface.
In this new series, we ask museum directors to pick five of their favourite items from their museum’s collection. We begin with the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, and director Stijn Huijts’ personal highlights.
Girl Study (2) (2013), Mark Manders, Courtesy Zeno X. Photo: Pascale Leenders
Girl Study (2) (2013), Mark Manders
Wood, painted wood, painted epoxy, painted wig
‘An artwork with iconic qualities, not least because it was one of the eye-catchers of Mark Manders’ highly acclaimed entry for the Venice Biennale 2013’.
This work is on display in the Bonnefantenmuseum until 22 June 2014.
Infinite colours (video still; 2011), Chaim van Luit
Infinite colours (2011), Chaim van Luit
Video, 19.33 minutes
‘An intriguing video by the young, talented Dutch artist Chaim van Luit. This work was my first acquisition for the Bonnefantenmuseum’s collection’.
Lamentation of Christ (c. 1520–5), Brussels Master of 1520, Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
Lamentation of Christ (c. 1520–5), Brussels Master of 1520
Oil on panel
‘An anonymous master. The Passion of Jesus Christ at this level of representation always reminds me of the monumental Descent from the Cross by Rogier van der Weyden in the Museo del Prado’.
This work is currently on display in the Bonnefantenmuseum.
Lid of a mirror case with loving couples, (c. 1350), France, Neutelings collection, on long-term loan to the Bonnefantenmuseum
Lid of a mirror case with loving couples (c. 1350), France, Neutelings collection
Ivory
‘You can hardly believe that this delicate little ivory artwork originated in the 14th century. A wonderful early example of the profane art of courtly love’.
This work is currently on display in the Bonnefantenmuseum.
Ghost Keeping (2013), István Csákány, Photo: Pascale Leenders
Ghost Keeping (2013), István Csákány
Wood, textile: complete sewing workshop made in wood, accompanied by floating figures in dark costumes.
‘I saw Ghost Keeping for the first time in 2012 at documenta 13 in Kassel, Germany, and it immediately struck me as an intriguing, mysterious work. It provides an interesting dialogue with the museum’s collection of woodcarvings and with the history of the manufacturing industry of the region’.
On display in the Bonnefantenmuseum until 17 June 2014
The Bonnefantenmuseum is in Maastricht, the Netherlands