REVIEW: 'Landmark' American Photography exhibition at the Rijksmuseum
- maxwell museums
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Rijksmuseum’s American Photography exhibition deserves to be called a landmark museum show. It’s hard to believe, but it’s Europe’s first ever comprehensive survey of photography from the USA.
That means on display are over two centuries’ worth of images from the world’s biggest superpower. My one sentence exhibition review would be: a remarkable show that captures the intricate layers of America's psyche.
Reviewing Europe's first American photography survey
Ok, I’ll admit, I’m not that much of a fan of photography exhibitions.
I think it has something to do with the fact that no matter how expertly curated or beautifully lit a show is, you don’t really need to be in a photo’s physical presence to appreciate it.
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They are flat images that look the same in a book or on screen. And often, the physical images on the walls are new prints. The image itself might have a history, but the artwork nailed to the wall doesn’t.
But when I found out that Europe’s first survey of American photography was coming to one of Europe’s greatest museums, my interest was very much piqued.
Add in the fact that this Rijksmuseum exhibition in the Netherlands' capital — which runs until June 2025 — is also the first time the institution has shown their newly-amassed American photography collection, I knew this was one not to miss.
And what a timely time to be hosting it — coinciding with a period when, shall we say, the USA is ‘in the news a lot.’
What makes it such a fascinating show is that it avoids a pure focus on art photography. On display here is the full spectrum of how the medium has represented and reflected America since the medium was invented — across advertising, news coverage, propaganda, landscapes, portraits.
But amongst these are a few globally-recognised shots — like Robert Mapplethorpe’s 1980 self-portrait with a cigarette — and work by other famous names such as Nan Goldin, Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus and Andy Warhol.
Of course, almost proving my initial point of why photography shows can be underwhelming, the best items here are certainly the historic pieces.
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The standout is one of the very first photographs ever of a human being, a self-portrait from 1840 which is actually on loan from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
The image is a daguerreotype self-portrait of Henry Fitz Jr. Once the Frenchman Louis Daguerre had published his photographic process, Wolcott and Johnson began to experiment in New York. They discovered that, while a five-minute exposure could capture a motionless object, their camera could not cope with any movement.
So instrument maker, engineer, scientist, and photographic pioneer Fitz Jr. added a light enhancing mirror to Wolcott's camera, which allowed him to portray himself. He kept his eyes closed to prevent any blinking from spoiling the result.
The result is a mesmerising, meditative capture. How can you not be in awe of a literal snapshot of nearly 200 years ago?
If I have one (tiny) criticism of the show, it’s that many of the photos here are relatively small in scale, and so they make the temporary exhibition galleries at the Rijksmuseum look positively cavernous as a result.
I’m not sure much could be done — older photos by their nature were never meant to be blown up to be hung on gallery walls — but there’s a mild sense of the exhibits being swallowed up by their surroundings.
I did really like the recurring American design motifs throughout the exhibition though, including section titles made to look like the green signs on the USA’s highways, and striking double-yellow-line road markings. A nice touch, and perhaps a nod to the fact that this is a fascinating journey across 50 states.
Rijksmuseum's American photography collection
The Rijksmuseum’s photo collection comprises an overview of the history of photography through almost 200,000 images. But it’s only since 2007 that they’ve built up an extensive collection of American photography. It now amounts to around 7,000 images – all by American photographers of American subjects.
Why collect all these pieces in a European museum?
"America and photography run parallel. The medium is so connected with the country" the exhibition’s curator Mattie Boom recently told the BBC.
I suspect the curators are rapidly adding to the collection as we speak — not least because perhaps we're living through the very first chapter in the country’s history to be deliberately made for the camera.
American Photography runs at the Rijksmuseum until 09 June 2025
Amsterdam travel essentials
Getting there | Eurostar runs up to four direct services a day from London St Pancras to Amsterdam in just over four hours. There are also direct international rail services connecting the city to Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the world's most connected airports.
Where to stay | I’d recommend art'otel Amsterdam. As the name suggests, the hotel mixes chic digs with contemporary art. Not only does art'otel have a staggering 125 artworks by Dutch artist Atelier Van Lieshout on display throughout the building they also have their very own art gallery. It's a 30-minute stroll to the Rijksmuseum, or the tram network is right outside.
Where to eat | Head to Brio, for Italian-inspired dishes in a smart and buzzy neighbourhood restaurant. Expect delicious pasta, fine wines, and Amsterdam's cool clientele. It won't break the bank either.