Ask for the most famous painting in the Mauritshuis and you will hear of Johannes Vermeer's The Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) — then of Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632), Johannes Vermeer's View of Delft (1659) and Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632).
Below, the 8 paintings of the Mauritshuis that are most widely known — painted from 1615 to 1670 by 3 painters — with their date, medium and size.
The originals
The 8 famous paintings of the Mauritshuis our artists study first
The painter, the date, the medium and the dimensions of each original, with a note from its page.
- The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, 1665
- The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, 1632
- View of Delft by Johannes Vermeer, 1659
- The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, 1632
- Diana and her Nymphs by Johannes Vermeer, 1654
- Woman Writing a Letter by Johannes Vermeer, 1670
- The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man by Jan Brueghel the Elder, 1615
- Andromeda by Rembrandt, 1630
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Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675)
1. The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, 1665
Mauritshuis, The Hague1665Oil on canvas45 × 39 cm
Created around 1665, this work belongs to the Dutch tradition of the tronie —a study of expression and costume rather than a formal portrait. The subject, a young woman, is positioned against a dark, undefined space that pushes her features into the foreground.
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Rembrandt (1606–1669)
2. The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, 1632
Mauritshuis, The Hague1632Oil on canvas169 × 216 cm
As the eye enters the dimly lit lecture room, one is immediately struck by the visceral tension held within the frame. The composition pulls the viewer into a tight circle of observers, each face etched with a unique spectrum of intellectual fervor, ranging from quiet contemplation to intense, wide-eyed fascination. It is a celebration of the Enlightenment's precursors, wrapped in the moody, atmospheric textures characteristic of Rembrandt’s early mastery.
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Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675)
3. View of Delft by Johannes Vermeer, 1659
Mauritshuis, The Hague1659Oil on canvas98 × 117 cm
This scene transports viewers to a moment in the Dutch Golden Age, where bustling maritime activity and charming architecture coexist in harmonious serenity. Painted during the Dutch Golden Age, this cityscape celebrates Delft’s prominence as a thriving maritime hub and center of trade. The depiction of ships, gates, and bustling figures highlights the importance of commerce and community in 17th-century Dutch society. The illuminated spire of the Nieuwe Kerk symbolizes spiritual stability and civic pride, while the calm waters reflect the harmony between natural elements and human achievement.
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Rembrandt (1606–1669)
4. The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, 1632
Mauritshuis, The Hague1632Oil on canvas
Rembrandt van Rijn's "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" (1632) is a seminal work from the Dutch Golden Age, celebrated for its dramatic chiaroscuro and meticulous anatomical detail. The artwork depicts Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, a prominent Dutch surgeon, conducting an anatomy lesson before an esteemed audience. The central figure is seen demonstrating the dissection of a forearm, highlighting the scientific curiosity and advancements of the 17th century. Painted in 1632, this work reflects the intellectual and scientific advancements of the Dutch Golden Age.
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Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675)
5. Diana and her Nymphs by Johannes Vermeer, 1654
Mauritshuis, The Hague1654Oil on canvas97 × 104 cm
Vermeer’s mastery lies not in dramatic action or overt display, but rather in his ability to capture fleeting moments of everyday life with extraordinary detail. Despite his relatively modest success during his lifetime, Johannes Vermeer’s legacy has grown exponentially over the centuries.
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Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675)
6. Woman Writing a Letter by Johannes Vermeer, 1670
Mauritshuis, The Hague1670Oil on canvas71 × 58 cm
“Woman Writing a Letter with Her Maid” offers a rare glimpse into the lives of middle-class Dutch families during the Golden Age. The painting’s realism extends beyond mere depiction to capture the essence of daily life in Delft, offering a poignant reminder of the quiet beauty found in ordinary moments.
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Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568–1625)
7. The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man by Jan Brueghel the Elder, 1615
Mauritshuis, The Hague1615Oil on panel74 × 114 cm
The scene is a living dialogue between two hands: the fluid, energetic brushstrokes of Peter Paul Rubens and the meticulous, encyclopedic precision of Jan Brueghel the Elder. Brueghel’s hand, often called "Flower" Brueghel, transforms the landscape into a scientific marvel, where every petal and insect is rendered with such clarity that the viewer feels they could reach out and touch the velvet texture of a leaf.
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Rembrandt (1606–1669)
8. Andromeda by Rembrandt, 1630
Mauritshuis, The Hague1630Oil on panel34 × 24 cm
While the myth of Andromeda typically centers on the heroic intervention of Perseus and the terror of the sea monster, Rembrandt strips away the external spectacle. Instead, he presents us with the vulnerability of the princess herself. Eschewing the polished, idealized beauty prevalent in classical traditions, Rembrandt embraces the raw textures of skin and stone.
The collection in figures
The originals of the Mauritshuis in our catalogue
720 originals of the Mauritshuis — paintings and works on paper — century by century
The originals in figures
- 8 originals, ranked by fame, 3 painters of the originals, Jan Brueghel the Elder to Johannes Vermeer.
- Painters with the most originals here: Johannes Vermeer (4), Rembrandt (3), Jan Brueghel the Elder (1).
- Jan Brueghel the Elder's The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man (1615) – Johannes Vermeer's Woman Writing a Letter (1670).
- Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632), 169 × 216 cm – Rembrandt's Andromeda (1630), 34 × 24 cm.
- 728 originals of the Mauritshuis in our catalogue: 720 paintings and works on paper by 332 artists, 1480–2002.
The countries the painters of the Mauritshuis came from
The painters with the most originals at the Mauritshuis
Questions to the studio
Questions about the originals of the Mauritshuis
Open a question to read our answer.
What is the most famous painting in the Mauritshuis?
Johannes Vermeer's The Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) is the most famous painting in the Mauritshuis and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632), Johannes Vermeer's View of Delft (1659) and Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632).
Which five paintings of the Mauritshuis are the most famous?
The five best-known paintings of the Mauritshuis are The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, View of Delft by Johannes Vermeer, The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt and Diana and her Nymphs by Johannes Vermeer.
Are there any Johannes Vermeer paintings in the Mauritshuis?
Johannes Vermeer has 4 paintings in this ranking — The Girl with a Pearl Earring (No. 1), View of Delft (No. 3), Diana and her Nymphs (No. 5) and Woman Writing a Letter (No. 6) — and 11 records in our catalogue of the Mauritshuis.
Are there any Rembrandt paintings in the Mauritshuis?
Rembrandt has 3 paintings in this ranking — The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (No. 2), The Anatomy Lecture of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (No. 4) and Andromeda (No. 8) — and 24 records in our catalogue of the Mauritshuis.
Which Jan Brueghel the Elder paintings hang in the Mauritshuis?
Jan Brueghel the Elder has 1 paintings in this ranking — The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man (No. 7) — and 4 records in our catalogue of the Mauritshuis.
Where can I see the paintings of the Mauritshuis?
The Mauritshuis is in The Hague, Netherlands. Our catalogue lists 728 of its works by 332 artists, dated 1480 to 2002; the 8 paintings of this ranking are all in its collection.
Which three works is the Mauritshuis most famous for?
the Girl with a Pearl Earring, the The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp and the Dutch Golden Age paintings are the three works everyone comes to the Mauritshuis for; the museum's record also names its other highlights. Of the three, the Girl with a Pearl Earring is a painting of this ranking (No. 1).
Which is the earliest painting of this ranking?
The earliest is Jan Brueghel the Elder's The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man (1615) (1615); the latest, Johannes Vermeer's Woman Writing a Letter (1670) (1670).
Which of these paintings is the biggest?
The biggest is Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp (1632) at 169 × 216 cm; the smallest, Rembrandt's Andromeda (1630) at 34 × 24 cm.
How was this list of the paintings of the Mauritshuis ranked?
By recognition: Wikipedia articles in the most languages (Wikidata sitelinks), our manual ranking and page visits, over the paintings of the Mauritshuis in our catalogue. Several records of one painting count once; details, copies and studies are excluded.
The house of the originals
The Mauritshuis in The Hague: history and collections of the originals
The Mauritshuis (Royal Cabinet of Paintings, Koninklijk Kabinet van Schilderijen Mauritshuis, Maurice House) — art museum — in The Hague, Netherlands. Its highlights: Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, Dutch Golden Age paintings. Our catalogue lists 720 of its paintings and works on paper, by 332 artists, dated 1480 to 2002.
The History and Origins of Mauritshuis
The Mauritshuis began its existence not as a public institution, but as a private residence. Conceived in the mid-1630s, the building was intended to serve as a lavish city home for Count Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen. Construction of this stately structure took place between 1633 and 1644. It was designed to reflect the status and refinement of its original owner within the heart of the Hague, Netherlands. The transition from a private palace to a repository for art occurred over a century later. In 1820, the Dutch state purchased the property specifically to house the Royal Cabinet of Paintings. This acquisition ensured that the building would transition from a domestic space into a permanent home for significant works. By 1822, the Mauritshuis was established and opened to the public, allowing for a new kind of presence within the city. The history of the site is marked by a continuity of purpose, even as its function shifted from a residence to a public space.
The Architecture of the Dutch Classicist Palace
The Mauritshuis is a definitive example of Dutch Classicism. It is a two-storey building characterized by a strict, balanced arrangement. The facade is defined by a high socle and the presence of Ionic columns. These elements, alongside a central pediment and elegant windows, establish a sense of stately calm. The design reflects the ambitions of its original owner, Count Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen, creating a residence that balances public grandeur with private intimacy. Inside, the layout facilitates a deliberate transition between different modes of space. The arrangement of rooms seeks a harmony between the grand halls intended for entertaining and the more secluded chambers meant for family life. Large windows are strategically positioned to allow natural light to flood the interiors. This illumination is essential to the atmosphere of the rooms, highlighting the textures of the walls and the details of the furniture.
The Royal Cabinet of Paintings Collection
The collection functions as a concentrated jewel box, holding a focused selection of works that define the Dutch Golden Age. Within the museum, over 250 works are presented, part of a larger Royal Cabinet of Paintings consisting of 854 objects. This density of quality allows for an intimate encounter with the history of 17th-century Holland. The selection avoids the overwhelming scale of larger institutions, opting instead for a curated intensity that emphasizes the presence of the original canvas. The holdings include the dramatic intensity of Rembrandt van Rijn and the serene beauty of Jan Steen. These works exist alongside the contributions of Johannes Vermeer, Paulus Potter, Frans Hals, and Jacob van Ruisdael. The presence of Hans Holbein the Younger further expands the breadth of the collection, ensuring that the dialogue between different artistic approaches remains central to the experience.
Exhibitions and Ongoing Research
The current program includes the exhibition “Vermeer: the Artist and His World,” which examines the life and technical influences of the painter. Beyond these temporary displays, the institution maintains a continuous commitment to the preservation of its holdings. The research department conducts active investigations into provenance and the specific conservation techniques required to protect the physical integrity of the paintings. These efforts ensure that the subtle layers of paint and the delicate textures of the canvases remain intact for future observation. Scientific inquiry extends beyond the walls of the palace through strong relationships with international institutions. These partnerships facilitate collaborative research projects that aim to uncover the histories and origins of various works. Such academic rigor provides a deeper understanding of the objects within the collection. The museum also functions as a center for public engagement, hosting lectures, workshops, and family activities designed to foster a closer connection to the art through direct interaction and learning.
Recent Expansion and Renovation Projects
The physical footprint of the Mauritshuis has evolved to meet the needs of its growing collection and its visitors. The most recent expansion was completed in 2014, a development that fundamentally altered the relationship between the palace and its surroundings. This project successfully connected the museum with the Sociëteit de Witte building. This connection allows for a more fluid movement through the space, seamlessly blending the historical palace with modern exhibition areas. The result is a continuous path that links the 17th-century structure with contemporary spaces. Architect Hans van Heeswijk oversaw the renovation project, ensuring a careful balance between different eras. The design was intended to preserve the building's original character while incorporating contemporary elements. This approach allows the historical integrity of the site to remain intact even as the facilities modernize. The careful restoration work has revealed hidden details and restored faded colors, bringing the palace back to its former glory.
5 facts about the home of the originals
- Who were the architects of the Mauritshuis building?Jacob van Campen and Pieter Post
- Which artist's work is described as the museum's most iconic?Johannes Vermeer
- What architectural style is the Mauritshuis a prime example of?Dutch Classicism
- In which year was the museum's most recent expansion completed?2014
- Who was the original owner for whom the Mauritshuis was conceived?Count Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen
The Mauritshuis: every original we catalogueThe museums of The Hague
To read
Three articles on the originals and their painters
How the originals are ranked
The originals of the Mauritshuis in our catalogue are ranked by fame: the Wikipedia language editions that describe the painting, our studio's ranking and the visits to its page on OriginalUniqueArt.com. One entry per original, counted in our catalogue and not in the museum's inventory, without details, copies, studies, sculptures or works on paper; every date, dimension and medium is the catalogue's, and the notes are drawn from the painting's description.
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