UNTIL 29 June 2025 | A rare glimpse into Henk Chabot's wartime works is now on display at the Chabot Museum. The exhibition explores human dignity and freedom through art created during one of the most turbulent periods in Dutch history.
Image: Chabot Museum, Menselijkheid En Vrijheid. Photo credit: Jacqueline Fuijkschot
Chabot’s wartime vision on display at the Chabot Museum
A temporary exhibition titled Menselijkheid en vrijheid – Rembrandt als voorbeeld is currently on view at the Chabot Museum in Rotterdam. It features a selection of paintings and drawings by Dutch expressionist Henk Chabot, produced between 1940 and 1945. The exhibition runs until 29 June 2025.
This focused presentation sheds light on how Chabot experienced and responded to the Second World War, both personally and artistically. Known for depicting people in vulnerable or displaced situations—whether in war, at home, or on the run—Chabot used expressive brushstrokes and dramatic contrasts (clair-obscur) to evoke empathy and introspection.
Historical context and artistic influence
The exhibition was curated with academic insight provided by art historian Simon Oosterhuis, whose research was supported by a grant from the Vereniging Rembrandt. Central to both the research and the exhibition are Chabot’s own reflections and writings, which offer insight into his creative process and the ideas that shaped his practice.
A notable element throughout the exhibition is Chabot’s admiration for Rembrandt van Rijn. This influence is evident in his handling of light and shadow, as well as the emotional weight given to facial expressions, particularly the eyes and hands.
Rarely exhibited works on show
For the first time, Chabot’s wartime works are being shown in this context and combination. The exhibition includes pieces from the Chabot Museum’s core collection, complemented by previously unseen loans from private collections.
Visitors have described the exhibition as deeply moving, noting the emotional impact of Chabot’s paintings, which reflect timeless themes of suffering, hope and humanity. The current global atmosphere adds further relevance to these works, highlighting their ongoing resonance.
Visiting the Chabot Museum
The Chabot Museum is located in one of Rotterdam’s modernist villas, situated on the edge of the Museumpark. The area is easily accessible by tram and metro, and within walking distance of Rotterdam Centraal Station. Nearby landmarks include the Kunsthal and Het Nieuwe Instituut, making the museum an ideal stop during a cultural day in the city.
