Keep it in the family: how Johannes Vermeer's paintings remained out of view for so long

"Magdalena's collection, now become Jacob's, contained not only pictures by Vermeer: besides the 20 by his hand, 21 others are listed."

"The collection was not only unique in its nature but unique in the way it was cherished and preserved."

"None was built around the work of a single painter. Magdalena's parents had moreover owned most of Vermeer's paintings."

"The 20 pictures in her death inventory amount to nearly two-thirds of his known production."

Magdalena Pieters van Ruijven's collection included 20 paintings by Vermeer and 21 others, showcasing a unique focus on a single artist. The collection, housed in the Golden ABC, was remarkable for its preservation within the family, remaining intact without part sales. Following Magdalena's death, her husband Jacob was required to share her estate with his father, a decision made by the High Court commissioners. This collection stands out among 17th-century Dutch art collections for its singularity and the number of Vermeer works it contained.

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