1800-1900

1800-1900 tells the eventful story of the 19th century in the Netherlands--from the Napoleonic Wars and the Industrial Revolution to Belgian independence and colonial politics in the Dutch East Indies--through the Rijksmuseum's 100 most important objects from the era. From Jan Willem Pieneman's huge painting "The Battle of Waterloo" to Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait; from the piano once owned by Louis Napoleon to the most beautiful art nouveau vases; from the most famous Hague School and Breitner paintings to the exuberant applied art once displayed at world's fairs, this volume is an essential companion to the Rijksmuseum's important 19th century collection. Each object is fully contextualized with a detailed explanation of its origin, history and function. An essential volume for lovers of the art and history of the era, 1800-1900 traces the political, social, economic and artistic history of the 19th century through its objects.