Works of art - FAQ

Where do I find information about an object in the Rijksmuseum collection?

Website
Part of the collection can be found on our website.
Contact form
For further information, including information about objects that are not yet included in the database, please use the contact form below (select 'Collection').
Research Library and Study Room
You can also visit the Rijksmuseum Research Library where you can request and view books, auction catalogs, magazines, etc. In the Study Room Prints and Drawings you can study prints, drawings, albums, etc. by appointment. To make an appointment, please use the contact form below (select ‘Visit to Study Room Prints and Drawings’).

Can you provide me with further information on a work of art that I own?

Are you curious about a work of art that you own? Is it somehow related to objects in the museum’s collections? Perhaps the museum can help you. You can contact the Collection Information department by filling in the contact form at the bottom of this page (select 'Collection'). Please send the following information:

• A thorough description of the object (dimensions, materials, any signature or inscriptions and numbers);
• a sharp image in high resolution, preferably also a close-up of possible marks and / or signature; please note that the pictures are presented rotated to the correct orientation when sent;
• information about the origin of the object (how did you come to own the object?)

We aim to reply to your inquiry within 10 working days.

Please note: The Rijksmuseum makes no statements about the authenticity of objects. Using our visual documentation we attempt to assess whether an (art) work is properly ascribed, an original, or a copy or imitation.

The services of the Rijksmuseum are aimed solely at providing art historical information about objects that are somehow related to the museum’s collections. If you require an appraisal, you should enlist the services of an auction house, art dealer or independent appraiser.
The Rijksmuseum employees involved provide evaluations of art works to the best of their ability. The information provided is subject to copyright and may only be disclosed, copied or reproduced with the consent of the Rijksmuseum.
The Rijksmuseum and the employee(s) involved exclude all liability for any inaccuracies or omissions, as well as for damages claimed as a result of an evaluation.
Evaluations are conducted solely at the request of the owner of the artwork or his or her representative or legal representative.

How do I find information regarding a specific artist?

Information about artists is available from the Netherlands Institute for Art History in The Hague, or the Union List of Artist Names online.

Where do I find family tree information?

For information of this nature, please contact the Family History Centre of the Central Bureau for Genealogy (CBG). This is the Dutch information and documentation centre for genealogy, family history and related sciences.

How do I order visual material from the collection?

If you wish to order photographs or slides of objects in the Rijksmuseum’s collection, please complete the order form on the Photoservice webpage.

Can you give an indication of how much an artwork is worth?

The Rijksmuseum's services are limited to providing information about history and art history. For appraisals we kindly ask you to contact an auction house, art dealer or independent valuer.

What are the copyright regulations of objects?

For an overview of copyright regulations, please refer to our copyright page.

What can I do if I want to donate, bequeath, sell or give an object on loan to the Rijksmuseum?

If you want your (art) object to be placed in the Rijksmuseum, please send an email to info@rijksmuseum.nl or send a letter to:

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Sector Collecties
P.O. Box 74888
1070 DN Amsterdam

Your letter must contain the following information:

• A clear description of the object (dimensions, materials, signature/inscription/numbers if available);
• A clear photograph, preferably also with a close-up of any hallmarks/signature (if present);
• Information on the origin of the object (how did you come to possess it?);
• Information on the physical condition of the object;
• Literature references, value or any information available from an art dealer or independent valuer;
• The reason for assigning the object to the Rijksmuseum;
• The terms and conditions under which you want the object to hand over.

The object shall be evaluated on the basis of several criteria. You will receive an answer within several weeks.