The Amsterdam of Piet van Eeghen

The Vondelpark, Prinsengracht Hospital, Rijk- and Stedelijk Museum: all come from the 19th century. As are the first social housing developments. All began as 'citizen initiatives'. Not founded by the city government, but by private individuals who arrange everything themselves and provide the financing. Behind the scenes of these projects is one central figure: the businessman Christiaan Pieter van Eeghen (1816-1889).

Together with his wife Cato Huidekoper, he is among the wealthiest Amsterdammers of his time. With all that money and his vast network, Van Eeghen played a crucial role in the modernization of Amsterdam, thanks to his successful civic initiatives.

Van Eeghen is also a great art lover. His house on the Herengracht is full of contemporary, romantic paintings. In addition, he has a unique collection of prints and drawings by Jan and Caspar Luyken (17th/18th century). After his death, he donated almost all of these works of art to the city. They now belong to the collection of the Amsterdam Museum such as the painting Kinderen der Zee by Jozef Israëls from 1863.

The exhibition reflects on Van Eeghen as an Amsterdam benefactor, art collector and banker. He made his money through colonial trade, among other things. What does that mean for our contemporary view of his philanthropic work? And what roles did women play in all his activities?