Jezus in de Tuin van olijven, anoniem, naar Pieter Coecke van Aelst (I), ca. 1530The Rijksmuseum holds one of the world’s most important collections of Netherlandish stained glass from the 15th and 16th century. In this period, small painted glass roundels and panels embellished the windows of private homes, town halls, hospitals, chapels and probably even cloisters. Not one of these early glass panels is still in its original location. Moreover, many have been lost or destroyed.

The depictions were generally designed by prominent artists, or taken from a print. One of the roundels on display is accompanied by its original design drawing. The glass panels on view here are extremely rare and exceptional examples of this art form.

The acquisitions in this gallery were made possible by the Ebus Fonds/Rijksmuseum Fonds and the Frits en Phine Verhaaff Fonds/Rijksmuseum Fonds, and a gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.