The Fries Museum in Leeuwarden has unveiled a significant new acquisition - a restored painting titled "Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy" by Wybrand de Geest, the most important portrait artist active in Friesland during the Dutch Golden Age. The artwork's public debut coincides with the museum's new exhibition dedicated to the 17th-century master, which opened late last week.
The painting entered the Frisian collections in early 2024 after being successfully acquired for 113,000 euros at a Barcelona auction house, Setdart, on December 13, 2023. The museum's acquisition was made possible through generous support from the FB Oranjewoud foundation and the Vereniging Rembrandt, two organizations known for supporting Dutch cultural heritage preservation.
Before being presented to the public, the artwork underwent extensive restoration work funded by the Alma-Tadema Kring. This marks the first time the painting has been displayed publicly since its restoration, allowing visitors to appreciate the work in its renewed condition. The restoration process was crucial in preparing the piece for exhibition and ensuring its long-term preservation.
Wybrand de Geest holds particular significance for the northern Dutch province of Friesland, where he was the leading portraitist of his era during the Golden Age of Dutch art. His work represents an important chapter in regional artistic history, making this acquisition especially meaningful for the Fries Museum's collection. The museum's new exhibition provides comprehensive insight into the artist's career and artistic contributions to Dutch Golden Age painting.
The successful acquisition demonstrates the ongoing collaboration between Dutch cultural institutions and private foundations in preserving the nation's artistic heritage. The combined efforts of multiple organizations ensured that this important work by de Geest could be secured for public viewing and scholarly study at the Fries Museum.
