The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden, Netherlands, is the country’s primary archaeological museum. It originated from the collection of Leiden University and remains closely connected with its Faculty of Archaeology. The museum refers to itself as “the national centre for archaeology” and houses an extensive collection covering ancient Egypt, the Near East, the classical civilizations of Greece, Etruria, and Rome, as well as the prehistoric, Roman, and medieval history of the Netherlands. This institution serves as a crucial hub for archaeological study and public education.

Current Collection

The museum’s extensive collection is divided into several categories, including Ancient Egypt, Ancient Near East, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, Prehistoric Netherlands, Roman Netherlands, and Medieval Netherlands

A standout feature of the museum is the Temple of Taffeh, an original Egyptian temple that was transported from Egypt and reconstructed in the museum. It was a gift from the Egyptian government as part of the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia.

 

 

Notable Artifacts in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

Among the museum’s prized possessions are:

• A Viking silver treasure hoard
• The curved iron sword from the Vorstengraf of Oss, the oldest iron object discovered in the Netherlands
• The Egyptian offering chapel of Hetepherakhty, prominently displayed in the main entrance hall

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Early Foundations and Reuvens’ Role

The origins of the museum’s collection date back to 1743, when Gerard van Papenbroek bequeathed a collection of 150 antiquities to Leiden University. Initially, this collection suffered from neglect. It was not until Caspar Reuvens, the world’s first professor of archaeology, took charge that the museum began to flourish. Reuvens expanded the collection significantly, acquiring artifacts from institutions like the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Natural History.

The Contributions of Rottiers

While domestic acquisitions helped build the museum, its most significant growth came from foreign purchases. Flemish colonel Rottiers, an avid collector, sold his collection of Greek sculptures and pottery to the museum in 1820 for around 12,000 guilders. This transaction greatly enriched the museum’s holdings in Greek antiquities.

In 1822, Rottiers sold another collection, though some of its items were later identified as forgeries. Between 1824 and 1826, he traveled the Mediterranean to acquire antiquities for the museum, but his expedition was plagued by inefficiency and poor documentation. Despite these shortcomings, some valuable artifacts made their way to Leiden.

Through the dedication of pioneers like Caspar Reuvens and Conradus Leemans, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden amassed a vast collection spanning multiple ancient civilizations.

The Contributions of Humbert

Another key figure in the museum’s expansion was Jean Emile Humbert, who worked in Tunisia on behalf of the Dutch government. He excavated and collected artifacts between 1822 and 1824, obtaining a set of eight statues that remain centerpieces of the museum today. His second expedition, which was meant to return to Tunisia, instead resulted in acquisitions from Italy. These included the Museo Corazzi, a collection of Etruscan artifacts, and the d’Anastasy Collection, a vast trove of Egyptian antiquities purchased for about 115,000 guilders. The latter acquisition cemented the museum’s reputation as an important center for Egyptian studies.

Reuvens’ Death and Financial Constraints

The Dutch government reduced funding for the museum in the 1830s due to political turmoil, particularly Belgium’s secession in 1830. Reuvens died unexpectedly in 1835, leaving behind an institution that had grown remarkably under his leadership. His successor, Conradus Leemans, would inherit both the challenges and opportunities of expanding the museum.

The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden has evolved from a small university collection into one of the world’s leading archaeological institutions.

The Leemans Era: Expansion and Innovation

After Reuvens’ death, his student Conradus Leemans took over. Though funding remained limited, Leemans found alternative ways to expand the collection. He appealed to private collectors, Dutch ambassadors, and consuls, leading to steady acquisitions from around the world.

In 1839, Leemans secured funds from the king to buy 100 vases from the Lucien Bonaparte collection. He also oversaw the publication of key catalogs, documenting the museum’s collections and making them accessible to scholars.

The Museum’s Housing and Development

Providing adequate housing for the museum’s growing collection was an ongoing struggle. Initially, the artifacts were stored in Leiden University’s botanical gardens, which proved to be a poor environment due to moisture damage. In 1821, the collection was relocated to the Museum of Natural History, but the space was insufficient and poorly lit.

Reuvens pushed for the construction of a purpose-built museum, but financial constraints hindered progress. Various alternative solutions were proposed, including relocating the collection to Brussels, Amsterdam, or The Hague. However, Reuvens argued for keeping it in Leiden due to the city’s strong academic environment.

Following Reuvens’ death, Leemans was appointed as temporary curator. In 1835, Leiden University purchased an 18th-century mansion, providing the museum with a permanent home. Leemans supervised the building’s renovation and the relocation of the collection. Despite financial and logistical challenges, the museum officially opened its doors to the public in August 1838.

Timeline of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden’s history

• 1743: Gerard van Papenbroek bequeaths his collection to Leiden University, forming the foundation of the museum.
• 1818: Caspar Reuvens, the world’s first archaeology professor, becomes the first curator.
• 1820-1826: Government acquires two Rottiers collections, adding Greek sculptures and pottery.
• 1822-1824: Jean Emile Humbert’s Tunisian expeditions secure statues and Etruscan artifacts.
• 1828: The d’Anastasy Collection of Egyptian antiquities is acquired, greatly expanding the museum’s holdings.
• 1835: Reuvens dies; Conrad Leemans succeeds him.
• 1839: Leemans buys Lucien Bonaparte’s vase collection.
• 1838: The museum moves into a newly acquired 18th-century mansion.
• Present: The museum houses major collections from ancient civilizations and the Netherlands, with the Temple of Taffeh as a centerpiece.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main collections of Rijksmuseum van Oudheden?

The museum’s collection includes Ancient Egypt, the Ancient Near East, Etruscan civilization, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and the prehistoric, Roman, and medieval Netherlands.

What is the most notable artifact in the central hall?

The Temple of Taffeh, an original Egyptian temple reconstructed in the museum, gifted by Egypt as part of the UNESCO Nubian Monuments campaign.

How did Rijksmuseum van Oudheden originate?

It began in 1743 with the bequest of Gerard van Papenbroek’s collection to Leiden University, later expanded under Caspar Reuvens, the first archaeology professor.

Who was Caspar Reuvens and why is he important?

Reuvens was the world’s first archaeology professor and expanded the museum’s collection significantly, securing important acquisitions like the Rottiers and Humbert collections.

How did foreign acquisitions shape the museum’s collection?

Purchases like the Rottiers collection of Greek artifacts and the d’Anastasy Collection of Egyptian antiquities greatly enriched the museum’s holdings.

What role did Conrad Leemans play in the museum’s development?

Leemans succeeded Reuvens, secured a permanent building for the museum in 1838, and continued expanding and publishing the collection.

The growing collection outgrew its spaces, leading to proposals to relocate Rijksmuseum van Oudheden to other cities, but Leiden’s academic environment ultimately kept it there.