Belgian Stephan Vanfleteren (1969), one of the most acclaimed photographers of the moment, has been commissioned by the Mauritshuis to create new work. This will be on display from April 23 in the exhibition Pentimenti – Stephan Vanfleteren among the Masters. Sixteen photographs, fifteen of which are new, are inspired by 17th-century paintings from the museum collection and are shown among the masterpieces. Vanfleteren was previously involved with the Mauritshuis during the anniversary exhibition FLASH | BACK (2022). The impressive photograph he took at the time, inspired by Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632), is now also on display again.
Pentimenti is an Italian word which literally translated means “repentance” or ‘’mistakes’’. Vanfleteren observes that nowadays there is little room for regret or revisiting one’s decisions. Coincidentally, the word is used in the world of art to describe when a painting has been altered, reworked or over-painted. Vanfleteren places pentimenti in a broader perspective, highlighting regrettable periods or incidents in human history. He says, “It is a pity that pentimenti is so rarely seen on the political or military stage,” perhaps demonstrating that history is always written by the victors. He continues, “Whether it’s a cold-hearted Tsar pushing young Russians into the trenches, or a Zionist keeping a war grinding on just to save his own skin . . . no one regrets their misdeeds.” So how does this manifest itself at Mauritshuis?
Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis, asked Vanfleteren to re-examine the museum collection with the aim of establishing a visual dialogue between the present and the past. Together, they walked through the museum’s 16 galleries, searching for the hidden meanings, lessons, and messages that paintings from four centuries ago can convey to us. What intentions lay behind these masterpieces at the time? What remains of the ideas and visions the artists wished to capture back then? And what significance do these paintings hold for the world today? Vanfleteren’s photographs engage in a conversation with the paintings, offering a 21st-century interpretation of 17th-century icons. This creates a fascinating contrast for visitors.
Vanfleteren has taken a unique photograph for each room of the museum that captures the essence of one specific painting or theme. This gives the visitor the opportunity to view the old paintings through the eyes of the photographer and gain new insights. Within the context of painting, he refers to corrections that artists made to their paintings during the painting process. Vanfleteren takes the word pentimenti literally as well: what mistakes have become visible throughout the history of humanity, on both the micro and macro levels? In this way, he challenges the classic works and captures them anew in a way that brings them back to life. In his photographs, he plays with reflection, contrast, and symbolism, which deepens the meaning of the original artwork.
The exhibition is accompanied by a remarkable book: Vanfleteren and Gosselink corresponded with each other during the creative process. This exchange of letters has been compiled into a book of letters. They wrote to each other about the Mauritshuis collection, art in general, and the value and significance of artworks – but also about the world around them. The book is an intimate account of their exchange of thoughts on the artworks, their significance in the contemporary world, and the hidden stories concealed within the paintings. The letters reveal their views on art and their views on life, differing as man and woman, as Fleming and Dutchman, and as creator versus administrator. And so, a book of letters has been created that serves not only as an account of the Mauritshuis collection and history, but also as a personal exchange between two people operating in very different fields within the art world.
Stephan Vanfleteren, known for his raw and honest photography, has always captured the vulnerability and beauty of humanity and life. His work touches upon themes such as life, death, the power of nature, and the reciprocity of our existence. Vanfleteren is internationally recognized, and with this exhibition, he adds a new layer to the rich history of the Mauritshuis through his own deeply personal vision of 17th-century painting.
The exhibition is not for the sensitive – there are pictures of a severed hand, a dead dog and horse so some may find this difficult to view.
Pentimenti – Stephan Vanfleteren among the masters
23 April 2026 – 23 August 2026
https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/what-s-on/exhibitions/pentimenti-stephan-vanfleteren-among-the-masters
Images: Stephan Vanfleteren
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.