An Insider’s Guide to Sotheby’s Amsterdam

Sarah de Clercq: Me and Amsterdam

Sarah Declerq, Managing Director, Sotheby's Amsterdam

A msterdam is a cultural and diverse city, with one of the most important historical centres in the world. It’s small (everything is a 15-minute bike ride away), has a strong international buzz - and there is plenty on offer for art lovers.

Amsterdam is known for its character and history, with a network of canals, old bridges and beautiful 17th century canalside merchant houses where artists like Rembrandt van Rijn used to live. Behind these houses, you will often find the most magnificent gardens – and as a garden lover, I love to sit there and escape from the bustling city life. They’re real hidden gems, silent oases in the midst of the most amazing architecture.

Even though I have been living in Amsterdam for over 25 years, I can still spend hours strolling around the old town with cozy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, all famously criss-crossed by canals. In fact, taking a boat trip along the city’s world-famous waterways is the most beautiful way to discover Amsterdam. The picturesque Canal District was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, earning Amsterdam the status of a bona fide open-air museum.

Amsterdam also boasts one of the densest concentrations of museums in the world. At the Museumplein, you can find three of the city’s most famous museums: the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum of Contemporary Art. For art lovers there is plenty to see, from museum blockbusters, must-see gallery exhibitions and a very creative art scene, to important art fairs like Art Rotterdam in spring in Rotterdam, following TEFAF in March in Maastricht and the PAN fair in October in Amsterdam.

Celebrating 50 Years of Sotheby's Amsterdam in 'Highlights of Dutch Art'

This year, as we celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, we are also marking Sotheby’s Amsterdam’s golden jubilee. Amidst the museums and galleries, not far from Museumplein, is Sotheby's Amsterdam (Emmalaan 23) where, for 50 years, Sotheby's has been at the heart of the Dutch art world. Formerly a sales location, responsible for selling numerous important collections and artworks, today the Amsterdam team focus on maintaining warm relationships with their clients as well as sourcing masterpieces for private sales or for international auction locations.

One of the highlights of our 50th anniversary year is our sales exhibition, Highlights of Dutch Art, which runs to 28 June. During this time at our offices, we are presenting a special selection of Dutch artworks from private collections, ranging from the 17th century Masters to contemporary artists.

Among the absolute masterpieces is a monumental winter landscape from 1842 by Barend Cornelis Koekkoek, an early work titled The Rose Garden by Carel Willink from 1928, and an exciting piece titled Whirling Landscape by the female artist Lou Loeber. Additionally, there will be paintings on display by Bosschaert, De Vlieger, Louis Apol, Hendrik Willem Mesdag, Cornelis Springer, Karel Appel, Alma Tadema, Escher, and many others. For a complete overview, see our homepage here.

'We often show exhibitions of rare and beautiful art and our friendly team would be happy to not only discuss the local and international art scene with you but also share personal recommendations for things to see and places to go'

So, if you're in Amsterdam, don't forget to visit Sotheby's office! We often show exhibitions of rare and beautiful art and our friendly team would be happy to not only discuss the local and international art scene with you but also share personal recommendations for things to see and places to go, in and around Amsterdam. And in this Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam, I’ll begin, by sharing my own. I hope you enjoy discovering all about my beautiful home city.

50 Years in the Netherlands: Highlights of Dutch Art

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HOTEL: De Durgerdam

Der Durgerdam (Photograph by Chantal Arnts)

Just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam, nestled in the quaint old village of Durgerdam, lies De Durgerdam, a truly hidden gem. This luxury boutique hotel boasts 14 exquisitely-designed bedrooms and suites, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Immerse yourself in the charm of the surrounding architecture, or gaze at the tranquillity of sailboats gently bobbing on the water.
One of my favourite weekend pastimes is strolling along the picturesque lakefront. En route, you'll encounter enchanting rows of fisherman’s houses, traditionally painted in milky white and nautical colours. As the day draws to a close, I like to unwind on the terrace of the hotel's lakeside restaurant, De Mark, where art lovers should step inside and admire the impressive artworks adorning the walls. Try it - I promise you won’t regret it.
De Durgerdam

HOTEL: Conservatorium Hotel

Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam — The Conservatorium Hotel (Courtesy The Conservatorium Hotel)

Situated on Museumplein, the beautiful Conservatorium Hotel building was originally a post office, before becoming the Amsterdam Conservatory, and now, a luxury hotel. Having undergone a thorough, yet sensitive renovation, I love the newly-added architecture - it’s spectacular. The hotel is also handy for the Vondelpark around the corner, where many Amsterdammers like to get some fresh air and take a walk.
Conservatorium Hotel

MUSIC: Concertgebouw

Concertgebouw Amsterdam music theatre — The Concertgebouw (Photograph by Eduardus Lee)

The Concertgebouw is one of the world's most important concert halls and a place I frequently visit. Music lovers say that this hall boasts unparalleled acoustics, and you can decide that for yourself by attending a performance by the Concertgebouw’s resident orchestra, generally considered to be one of the best orchestras in the world. And not only does The Concertgebouw excel musically, but the building’s beautiful, classical 19th century architecture is also captivating.
The Concertgebouw

ART: Huis Willet-Holthuysen

Willet-Holthuysen House, Amsterdam (Image courtesy Willet-Holthuysen House)

Huis Willet-Holthuysen is a 17th century canal house, located on the prestigious Herengracht. In 1895, the former resident Louisa Willet bequeathed the house to her beloved city of Amsterdam so that everyone could enjoy it. The interior spaces are decorated in assorted historical styles, so one can find many remarkable paintings and applied arts here. An additional recommendation is to take a look at the French-style garden, where you can take a moment to breathe amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Huis Willet-Holthuysen

50 Years Of Sotheby's in the Netherlands

1974
1974
1977
1978
1980
1995
1997
1999
2002
2006
2010
2012
2018
2020
2021
2023

Sotheby's Amsterdam, Rokin 102

First Sotheby’s office on Rokin 102

Sotheby’s established a small sourcing office on the Rokin, Amsterdam, in 1972. Seeking to expand its presence, the British company entered into discussions with local auctioneers Mak van Waay's director H.S. Nienhuis regarding a potential takeover. The deal was finalized on July 1, 1974, marking the official birth of Sotheby’s Amsterdam. Through this acquisition, Sotheby’s solidified its status as the premier auction house in the Netherlands, now under British ownership.
Catalogue of the first auction which Mak van Waay under the auspices of Sotheby Parke Bernet Group, 10 September 1974

First auction as Sotheby's Mak van Waay

This catalogue, from the inaugural auction held by Mak van Waay as part of the Sotheby Parke Bernet Group on September 10, 1974, now stands as a historical document.
The merger of these two auction houses was immediately evident in the prominent sales that followed, including the first single-owner sale held by Sotheby’s - an auction of Swedish collector Einar Perman's collection of drawings in June 1975. This was followed by the important B. de Geus van den Heuvel collection in April 1976. The selection of paintings was displayed in London before the collection was auctioned in Amsterdam, at the Lutheran Church on the Singel.
Viewing day of the Wetzlar auction at Rokin 102, May 1977 (Courtesy: Nationaal Archief)

The Wetzlar Auction

In 1977, Dr Hans Wetzlar's famous collection of 15th and 16th century Dutch paintings from the North and South of the Netherlands went under the hammer. A close friend of Wetzlar, prominent art historian Max Jakob Friedländer most likely had a hand in determining purchases for the Wetzlar collection. Wetzlar's wish was for his collection to disperse after his death, bringing joy to new collectors. Sotheby's Mak van Waay had the honour of auctioning the world-class collection, and to this day, the auction catalogue released at the time is used as an important reference by connoisseurs of Old Masters
Viewing day of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary auction at Sotheby’s Amsterdam, April 1978 (Courtesy of Nationaal Archief)

Modern and Contemporary Art auction, April 1978

Under British influence, Amsterdam began to hold more specialized auctions, aligning with international trends. One of the fastest-growing departments was Modern and Contemporary art. A notable example was the Modern and Contemporary auction of April 1978. Here, highlights included the sale of Isaac Israels' painting "Café Dansant; Moulin de la Galette" (1905-06). Widely regarded as one of the most important Dutch Impressionist artists, Israels' work sold for approximately 1 million gulden on April 24, 1974, setting a record price for the artist. This piece remains one of his finest works
Modern and Contemporary auction in 1987, with Kees van Dongen, Buste de femme nue (Circa 1913)
28 September 1987 (Courtesy: Ferry Andre de la Porte)

Sustained Growth Fuels the Dutch Art Market During the 1980s

In the 1980s, the art market experienced explosive growth, with specialized sales increasingly making their mark on the Dutch art scene. Auction houses began reaching larger audiences, and viewing days evolved into prestigious society events. During this time, numerous private collections were sold at Sotheby's Mak van Waay, including the contents of the renowned Villa Betty in June 1980 and the J.T. Cremer collection, in November 1980.
Auction Neues Schloss in Baden Baden, with Simon de Pury on the rostrum, 1995 (Private photo)

Baden Baden Auction (5 - 21 October 1995)

During the 1990s, Sotheby's Amsterdam office coordinated several significant sales of German noble estates. The first major noble house sale, a 15-day auction stated at the time by Sotheby's as being the longest of the century, set a world record for a house sale, bringing in $54.7 million (approximately EUR75 million). This far surpassed the pre-sale estimate of $20-30 million. The event drew an impressive 58,000 attendees to the German town of Baden-Baden. Up for auction were 25,000 objects from the Neues Schloss, a 106-room castle owned by His Royal Highness Max Margrave of Baden. This sale marked the beginning of a series of major auctions featuring items of noble provenance, including the Regensburg and Hannover sales.
Rembrandt Portrait Of A Man In A Red Coat (1633) (Photographed in Amsterdam, 1997)

The Dutch Art Market Goes Global

Amsterdam has always been an important centre for Old Master Paintings, showcasing numerous masterpieces over the years. In November 1997, Sotheby’s Amsterdam had the privilege of displaying a Rembrandt at Rokin 102. With stringent security measures in place, the painting went on to sell for over $9,077,500 in January 1998 in New York. It is now part of the prestigious Leiden Collection, recognized as one of the largest and most significant private collections of 17th century art.
Sotheby's Amsterdam's headquarters on De Boelelaan

Sotheby’s Amsterdam Relocates from Rokin 102 to De Boelelaan 30

In 1999, Sotheby’s Amsterdam sought to capitalize on the ongoing boom in the art market by locating to a large new building on De Boelelaan. The building was situated next to the Zuidas, the heart of Amsterdam’s new financial centre. Sotheby's Amsterdam now housed four auction rooms, marking a significant step that would prove crucial in driving the company's success in the early 2000s.
Peter Paul Rubens The Massacre of the Innocents (circa 1609 - 1611) Sold for £49,500,000, London July 2002

A Rediscovered Rubens in the Netherlands

Around the turn of the century, Sotheby's Old Masters teams in London and Amsterdam made a truly spectacular discovery when a Dutch client offered a work for valuation - having no idea it was 'The Massacre of the Innocents' (circa 1609-1611), a stunning and rare painting by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens. The work is one of the most significant Old Master picture discoveries to have ever been offered at auction for decades, and was the greatest Rubens to come to the market in over 20 years.
At auction in London in July 2002, it sold for £49,500,000, making it at the time the most expensive painting ever bought, or sold, in a British auction
Barend Cornelis Koekkoek Winter Landscape with Wood Gatherers (1854)

A World Record for Barend Cornelis Koekkoek

Dutch romantic art was at its height in this period and the painting 'Winter Landscape with Wood Gatherers' by Koekkoek was sold in April 2006 for over EUR1 million - at the time the most expensive painting ever auctioned in the Netherlands, and a new world record for the Dutch master at auction.
The BAT Artventure Collection, formerly known as THE PETER STUYVESANT COLLECTION. Artwork: Martin Kippenberger, Dinosaurierei (1996)

The Peter Stuyvesant Collection Sale (BAT)

Sotheby's Amsterdam has hosted numerous single-owner sales, including prominent collections such as that of the estate of Queen Juliana in 2011, the Boudewijn Büch collection in 2004 and the Frits Philips collection in 2006. A standout however, was the auction of the British American Tobacco collection, formerly known as the Peter Stuyvesant collection (BAT), in 2010. This remarkable event marked the largest gathering of post-war Modern art ever auctioned in the Netherlands. Featuring masterpieces by esteemed artists such as Karel Appel, Jan Schoonhoven, Andy Warhol, and Victor Vasarely, it captivated art enthusiasts worldwide. The auction, held in March 2010, achieved record-breaking success, reaching a total sale value of EUR13.6 million. Notable among the top lots was Martin Kippenberger’s 1996 painting 'Dinosaurierei' which fetched an impressive EUR1.1 million.
Sotheby's Amsterdam, Emmalaan 23

Sotheby’s Amsterdam relocates from De Boelelaan to the Emmalaan

In 2011 Sotheby's evolved from conducting auctions in the Netherlands to focusing primarily on valuing and selling exceptional works of art to a global audience, either through the company's global network of selling locations, online auctions or through Private Sales. Since this reconfiguration, the Dutch team has sourced numerous exceptional artworks and single owner collections, such as the Van Dedem collection and the Morpurgo collection (both in 2018) and the Marianne Dreesmann-van der Spek collection in 2021. Today, Sotheby's Amsterdam office is located on the Emmalaan 23 in Amsterdam-South, near the museum district and the Concertgebouw, and remains a valuable resource for local clients.
Rembrandt Van Rijn: Study Of The Head And Clasped Hands Of A Young Man As Christ In Prayer
[Old Masters Evening Sale, Sotheby’s London, 5 December 2018]
Sold for £9,480,80

A Rembrandt Sells For £9.4m

Study of the Head and Clasped Hands of A Young Man As Christ in Prayer (1648) by Rembrandt returned to the market after 60 years when it went up for auction at Sotheby’s in London on December 5 2018, selling for an impressive £9.4m. Believed by experts to contain two of the Dutch Master's fingerprints, the rare oil sketch had hung on loan in the Museum het Rembrandthuis in Amsterdam – Rembrandt’s home.
Yangcai Reticulated Vase (1742)
Sold Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 10 July 2020, HKD 70,406,000

A 1742 Yangcai Vase Sells in Hong Kong For HKD 70,406,000

This yangcai reticulated vase, once owned by Harry Garner (1891 - 1977), was a lost masterpiece of Chinese porcelain found in a remote European house, almost 60 years since it last came to market. The vase was rediscovered in the country house of an elderly lady who had inherited it. The masterpiece survived almost unblemished in a lively home, surrounded by countless cats and dogs - and sold in Hong Kong in July 2020 for HKD 70,406,000 (US$8.950,06 in 2024)
Jacob Claesz de Grebber, A Nautilus Cup with Dutch silver-gilt mounts (1628)
(Sold at Treasures, Sotheby’s New York, 7 December 2021 for $1,769,500)

A Restituted Delft Nautilus Cup

This important Nautilus cup, by the renowned Delft goldsmith Pieter de Grebber, features prominently in a still life painting attributed to Gerrit Willemsz Heda. The cup, once stolen by the Nazis, and later returned to the descendants of the former owner Eugen Guttman was sold for $1.8 million at auction in New York in December 2021.
Wassily Kandinsky Murnau mit Kirche II (Murnau with church II) , (1910) (2023 Restitution: Property from the Collection of Johanna Margarete and Siegbert Stern) Sold in London, March 2023 for £37,196,800.

A Restituted Kandinsky 'Murnau mit Kirche II' (1910)

The restitution of this 1910 Kandinsky masterpiece to the heirs of Johanna Margarete and Siegbert Stern finally reconnected the painting with its history. It had been in the collection of the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, where it had been hanging since 1951. Early works by Kandinsky rarely come to the market, and 'Murnau mit Kirche II' is one of the most important works by the artist ever to appear at auction. It was justly acclaimed as one of the top highlights of the Modern and Contemporary Evening Auction in London in March 2023, where it sold for £37,196,800.

EAT: Restaurant Zoldering

Restaurant Zoldering (Image courtesy Restaurant Zoldering)

Restaurant Zoldering is one of Amsterdam's absolute highlights when it comes to wine, with an extensive wine list packed with delicious surprises and delights. Naturally, they serve delicious snacks too. Whether you decide on just the one small drink or a lavish dinner, this is a stylish and hospitable restaurant, located in one of Amsterdam's coziest streets.
Restaurant Zoldering

EAT: RIJKS

RIJKS restaurant dining Amsterdam — RIJKS (Photograph © Chantal Arnts)

RIJKS Restaurant is situated in a truly breathtaking setting, within the illustrious Rijksmuseum, home to an iconic collection showcasing Dutch national history. To make the most of your visit, I recommend starting your day with an early morning exploration of the museum, allowing you to avoid the crowds. Afterwards, indulge in a leisurely afternoon at RIJKS, where you can savour a delightful long lunch. Together with chefs Yascha Oosterberg and Friso van Amerongen, RIJKS executive chef Joris Bijdendijk promotes the Low Countries’ cuisine, which is firmly rooted in Dutch produce – in all its modest glory. Following an extensive renovation, RIJKS has emerged with a refreshed interior design and an enticing new menu, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Be sure to sample their special lunch menu, thoughtfully inspired by the works of Frans Hals.
RIJKS

EAT: Restaurant De Kas

Restaurant De Kas Amsterdam — Restaurant De Kas (Photograph Rinze Vegelien)

Restaurant De Kas is an ecological restaurant, located in the beautiful Park Frankendael. The restaurant boasts its own gardens and greenhouses, where they cultivate over 300 ingredients. The harvested ingredients often end up on the guests plates the same day. The tables are set in a beautifully-designed greenhouse, which means you can enjoy your locally-sourced meal in a gorgeous setting.
Restaurant De Kas

SHOPPING: Noordermarkt

Noordermarkt Amsterdam — Noordermarkt, Amsterdam (Koen Smilde)

Meet the locals doing their weekend grocery shopping at this picturesque organic market. Nestled at the foot of the Noorderkerk, on one of the city's most charming squares, the Noordermarkt takes place each Saturday. Once your shopping is done, take a seat at any of the terraces surrounding the square and indulge in some leisurely people-watching.
Noordermarkt

DRINK: De Wetering

A visit to Amsterdam wouldn't be complete without stepping into a traditional 'brown bar'. My personal favorite is De Wetering, situated just beyond the Canals. With its cozy atmosphere, open fireplace upstairs, and the welcoming staff, this neighbourhood bar epitomises the essence of 'gezellig' (conviviality).
De Wetering

ART: Breitner at Singer Laren

Singer Laren Museum Amsterdam — Singer Laren Museum (Image courtesy Singer Laren Museum)

As a specialist in Impressionist and Modern art, I am particularly excited about this George Hendrik Breitner (1857 – 1923) exhibition, hosted at Singer Laren. Situated in the charming artist’s village of Laren, this museum was founded by the American collectors Anna and William Singer and opened to the public in 1956. It’s just 30 minutes outside Amsterdam and is definitely a destination worth visiting.

The Breitner exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the artist's work, showcasing over 70 paintings and works on paper that illuminate his artistic development in a new light. What sets this exhibition apart is Singer Laren’s innovative approach of combining well-known favourites, such as the ‘Kimono’ girl paintings, with lesser-known works, in all, offering a comprehensive view of Breitner's oeuvre. Moreover, some of the pieces on display have not been seen in the Netherlands for decades, adding a sense of rarity and discovery to the viewing experience.
Singer Laren

ART: Marina Abramovíc at the Stedelijk Museum

Running until mid-July, don’t miss this exciting event: the Stedelijk Museum is holding the biggest Marina Abramovíc retrospective we have ever had here in the Netherlands. What more is there to be said about this icon of our times? If you are lucky enough to the chance, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in Marina’s extraordinary world, with work from the past five decades on display, and of course, re-enactments of some of her most historic performance pieces.
(Until July 14)
Stedelijk Museum

ART: Matthew Wong at the Van Gogh Museum

Matthew Wong *The Kingdom* (2017) (© 2023 Matthew Wong Foundation / c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2023, private collection)

This summer, the Van Gogh Museum is holding a retrospective by the late Chinese-Canadian contemporary painter, Matthew Wong (1984 – 2019). Although this talented artist lived over 100 years after Van Gogh, many fascinating parallels can be drawn between Van Gogh and Wong’s life and work - especially as both artists struggled with mental health issues and sought solace in painting. This exhibition offers an intense comparative insights into the lives of these two different yet intriguingly similar artists, via Wong’s beautiful, colourful paintings. I highly recommend booking online and well in advance.
The Van Gogh Museum

ART: Frans Hals at the Rijksmuseum

Frans Hals, Portrait of a Man (c.1635) Rijksmuseum (Courtesy Rijksmuseum)

Frans Hals is considered one of the most important old masters of the 17th century, a time when Dutch painting flourished. His loose, playful painting style was highly innovative, and consequently, Hals inspired generations of followers. This unique exhibition showcases about 50 of the most spectacular works from his oeuvre.
The Rijksmuseum