MADRID.- Through the generosity of the Rijksmuseum
in Amsterdam, from 3 December the Prado will be displaying a masterpiece by the
Dutch painter Frans Hals, Company of Captain Reijnier Reael and Lieutenant
Cornelis Michielsz Blaeuw (1633-1637), which was completed by his
fellow-countryman Pieter Codde. This magnificent work by one of the most
important Dutch painters of the 17th century is to be seen at the Museum as part
of its “Invited Work” programme. In 1885 Van Gogh said of it: “Just to see that
painting would make the journey to Amsterdam worthwhile”. The canvas will be
shown in conjunction with the exhibition Dutch Painters at the Prado and will
create a fascinating conclusion to this exhibition of Dutch paintings from the
Museum’s own collection. On view from 3 December through 11 April,
2010.