Allow me to introduce you to this power couple of the 17th century: Marten and Oopjen.
In the form of a pair of full-length wedding portraits – Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit, done by Rembrandt, in 1634. They were young, rich and becoming. Their portraits in regal style, wearing the most fashionable outfits. Check out the footwear! The rosettes are so flashy. I am slightly in awe.
The canvases of Marten and his wife Oopjen were Rembrandt’s first life-sized pendant portraits and the only ones he had ever painted. The price was €80 million euros apiece!
An unprecedented acquisition jointly acquired by Musée du Louvre in Paris and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, backed by an intergovernmental agreement, made on 1 February 2016. To be specific, the Louvre purchased Oopjen and the Rijksmuseum purchased Marten. The two museums then agreed that the paintings will always be shown together.
I was staring at €160 million euros!
Sometimes this year, Marten and Oopjen will end their 5-year residency at the Rijksmuseum. They will make their way to the Louvre for the following 5 years. Thereafter, they will be exhibited in the Rijksmuseum again and the Louvre alternately for eight years at a time.
They shall remain together. Forever.
If you are interested, you can find Marten and Oopjen on display in the Gallery of Honour, within the same hall as the Night Wacht.
I Becoming Dutch 