NEW YORK CITY—As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, New York is commemorating 400 years since the Dutch founded New Amsterdam at the tip of the island of Manhattan. The New York Historical has just opened the first-of-its kind exhibition that examines life in New Amsterdam through the lens of exceptional 17th-century Dutch paintings, along with maps and historic documents. On view through Aug. 30, 2026, “Old Masters, New Amsterdam” includes portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, and still lifes by leading artists of the Dutch Golden Age lent by private collectors and public institutions.
"Two Women in an Interior With a Basket of Lemons," circa 1664–1665, by Caspar Netscher. Oil on panel; 14 3/4 inches by 13 1/2 inches. Depictions of ordinary life illustrate how overseas trade made luxury products accessible, which was the same in New Amsterdam: Rising fortunes led to imported goods and refined tastes. Courtesy of The Leiden Collection, New York
