The Dutch perspective The main art form in the chancery’s collection is photography, an important medium in Dutch art and an area in which the reputation of the Netherlands continues to grow worldwide. Dutch photography, famous for its technical sophistication, is especially appreciated in the US. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked closely with the photography museum FOAM in Amsterdam to select a collection that includes young and upcoming artists as well as established Dutch photographers. Curators chose to show images of more than 20 photographers, many of whom hold a special bond with the US. The collection is an eclectic mix, organized by theme per floor to offer a sense of cohesion. At the same time, it encourages employees to explore the building to find other works of their favorite artist and connect with their colleagues.
Vincent Mentzel (Hoogkarspel, 1945) studied at the Academy for Visual Arts in Rotterdam. Initially, his photographs were characterized by a narrow perspective encompassing large swatches of sky and landscape. Later on, he applied himself to portraits of well-known Dutch politicians and members of the Royal Family. In doing so, Mentzel changed the portraiture of political life in the Netherlands. The portrait on display has served as the basis for the profile of Queen Beatrix that adorned the Dutch guilder, a design by Bruno Ninaber.
Vincent Mentzel, “Queen Beatrix” (1981). (www.vincentmentzel.nl)