An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
The Seven Works of Mercy, Master of Alkmaar, 1504h 101cm × w 54cm
Master of Alkmaar
oil on panel
In a quaint town nestled in Holland, where cobblestone streets wind gracefully beneath the broad eaves of weathered houses, life blossomed in the heart of a community deeply rooted in faith. The air was imbued with a sense of calm—a gentle reminder of the stories that unfolded each day, revealing the spirit of compassion that bound the townspeople together.
Imagine a series of narrative panels, vibrant and rich in detail, each capturing scenes of earnest townsfolk engaged in the simple act of helping one another. A humble baker offers warm bread to a weary traveler. A kind woman tenders to an elderly man, her eyes full of empathy. Amidst this tapestry of life, there is a presence—a figure of profound significance. In almost every frame, Christ stands quietly among the onlookers, His gentle gaze encouraging acts of kindness, illuminating the goodness that flows through the community.
These scenes transport us back to around the year 1500, where laughter mingles with heartfelt conversations in the town square. Children chase after one another, weaving between market stalls adorned with bountiful harvests, as their jubilant laughter echoes through the streets. The people, adorned in simple yet colorful garments, embody the essence of charity and goodwill—living examples of a faith that called them to serve the needy.
However, peace can be a fleeting thing, and the winds of change blow through even the most serene of places. In 1566, a storm brewed on the horizon as the Protestant Reformation swept through Holland, prompting a violent cleansing of what was deemed idolatrous imagery within the Catholic churches. Many cherished works of art fell prey to this fervor, decimated as if swept away by an unforgiving tide. The very panels that celebrated the essence of community compassion became casualties of this tumultuous upheaval, leaving wisps of what once was—a haunting reminder of stories lost, yet enduring in the hearts of those who remember.
This was a time of transformation, where faith wavered and foundations shook, but within that quiet town nestled in its embrace of compassion, echoes of kindness would forever remain, waiting to inspire once more.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.