Speech at the opening of the exhibition 'Mystery of Poland: Medieval Masterpieces' in Museum Catharijneconvent
Speech by Maxime Verhagen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
at the opening of the exhibition ‘Mystery of Poland: Medieval Masterpieces’, highlights from
the Polish National Museum in Warsaw, in the Catharijneconvent Museum,
Utrecht, 4 October 2007
(Introduction)
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honour to open this exhibition of Polish medieval art from the National Museum in Warsaw in the presence of such an international audience. I should particularly like to welcome the Polish Under-Secretary of State for Culture and the deputy director of the National Museum in Warsaw. I am most grateful that you could both be here on this occasion.
Ladies and gentlemen,
My travels as Minister of Foreign Affairs take me all over the world, but I am especially pleased to be here today, in the Catharijneconvent Museum in Utrecht. For one thing, I am a great supporter of this Museum. Prior to becoming foreign minister, I was on the Museum’s Committee of Recommendation. I have now had to resign that post, but I am just as committed to the Museum and its wonderful collection.
As Otto von Bismarck once said, “Politics is not a science, as many intellectuals believe, but an art.” That may be so, but it’s a very different kind of art from the one that brings us here today, specifically this precious exhibition. It’s the first time that the National Museum in Warsaw has allowed the cream of its medieval collection – impressive altar pieces, paintings and statues – to travel abroad. I understand that this exhibition will be on show in only four European countries. We are proud that the Netherlands is one of them.
(Cultural and historic ties between the Netherlands and Poland)
Ladies and gentlemen,
The fact that the exhibition has come to the Netherlands says something about the close ties that our countries have long maintained. I should like to say a few words on this subject – to outline the historical ties between Poland and the Netherlands, and to look at what we share today.
The English title of this exhibition is ‘The Mystery of Poland’. A more literal translation might be 'The Secret of Poland’. Because for many people Polish art of the Middle Ages is something of a secret. And, speaking of secrets, I venture to say that few of my compatriots are aware that there has been a Dutch presence in Poland for many centuries.
As early as the year 1100, the first Dutch ‘immigrants’ set foot on Polish soil. They settled in Poland for religious and economic reasons. Five centuries later, in around 1600, members of the Mennonite Church settled in northern Poland. They had been offered refuge there, away from the Dutch Revolt and the Spanish Inquisition.
The mid-13th century saw the growth of the first economic ties, mainly in fishing, trade and shipping. These contacts formed the basis for early Hanseatic trade between the Netherlands and the Baltic region, including Poland. And this was very important, because centuries later our trade with countries around the Baltic actually exceeded our trade with the East Indies!
As commerce increased, there was a growing Polish interest in Dutch and Flemish art. Many artists travelled around Europe, perfecting their skills and working abroad at the invitation of rich patrons. Polish and Dutch artists began to influence one another. Today’s exhibition is a good example of this – the influence of the Flemish Primitives like Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden can clearly be seen in the work of Polish artists of that period.
Thanks to our shared past, Poland possesses a significant portion of Dutch cultural heritage – as I’m sure Mr Mleczko can confirm. Polish collections include some two thousand works by Dutch and Flemish artists. And some of the finest of these are to be found in the National Museum in Warsaw.
The links between Polish and Dutch art can still be seen in cities like Gdansk. During the Hanseatic period and our own Golden Age, Gdansk maintained close ties with Amsterdam. To this day, the influence of Dutch architects and engineers can be seen in the city and its surroundings.
(Current ties between the Netherlands and Poland)
Ladies and gentlemen,
These days, the cultural ties between our two countries are as strong as ever. There is more and more contact between Polish and Dutch artists, resulting in many more joint projects. The Polish public is especially interested in modern dance, photography, architecture and design. And the Dutch are developing an appreciation for Polish films and art.
Of course, we cherish our common heritage as well. Vigorous efforts are being made to preserve it for future generations. Dutch and Polish museums are working closely together. That’s hardly surprising, given the many works by Dutch and Flemish painters and cartographers hanging in Polish museums.
The cultural ties between our two countries aren’t just a thing of the past. They also provide a platform for future cooperation. The key elements of the historical relationship I’ve just outlined are tolerance, freedom of religion, openness and respect for each other’s culture. These are the very elements we must build on today – bilaterally, but also in our partnership in Europe. We can only cope with the challenges that face us, as member states of the European Union, if we operate on a basis of mutual understanding, respect and trust.
Today’s exhibition can help to inspire us. Long before anyone came up with the idea of the ‘free movement of persons’, craftsmen and artists were travelling through Europe. As they went from country to country they exchanged ideas and skills. They showed an interest in and respect for one another’s traditions, giving rise to the wonderful works of art that we can see here t oday.
(Conclusion)
Ladies and gentlemen,
I should like to conclude by expressing the hope that many Dutch people will visit this exhibition. To enjoy these exceptional examples of Polish art. But also to get a better picture of our shared past – a past that can inspire us to work towards a shared future.
Thank you.