Last year, the Rijksmuseum — the Dutch national museum dedicated to art and history — launched the Rijkstudio, an incredible online portal that not only allows users to browse 150,000 masterworks in their collection, but encourages them to use high-resolution downloads to create their own works of art.
To celebrate the one year anniversary of the Rijksstudio, the Rijksmuseum is holding a contest for the best design using an image from their collection. Anyone can enter, and the winner will get €1,500 in prize money and the chance to have their item produced and carried in the Rijksmuseum atelier.
To inspire the entrants, the Rijksstudio partnered with five Etsy designers to showcase the creative possibilities. Take a peek:
Norwegian Wood’s lingerie set riffs on the colors and motifs of Johann Spitzmacher’s c. 1660 to c. 1670 cabinet.
Jacob Merkelbach’s photograph Portrait of a Woman by Paizel is just one of several works that inspired PuurAnders’ floral pieces.
Tovicorrie’s calfskin clutch takes its cues from an elaborately patterned pair of trousers in an early 19th century portrait of a Javanese court official.
Details from this striking 17th century portrait of a little boy are paired with LAPHILIE’s signature swarming ants in this series of plates.
Aert Shcouman’s White-throated toucan is re-imagined as modern geometry by Oelwein.
Want to make your own masterpiece? Explore the Rijksstudio and learn all about the contest.
145 comments
Valerie from valeriestitchery said 5 years ago
It's always really impressive and inspiring to see people taking art in one form and reinterpreting it in another. I especially love the lingerie set.
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Wow, these are amazing pieces!
Marissa from PreciousSkinElixirs said 5 years ago
What a wonderful concept and an intriguing way to reinsert classic art pieces into modern culture and function. Just beautiful!
Erica from landseasky said 5 years ago
That is incredible work.
cameo from Junylie said 5 years ago
Very interesting work
Allison from OneWorldTwoHands said 5 years ago
Absolutely fantastic idea. 150,000 masterpieces at my fingertips? Yes, thank you.
Deb Babcock from BlueSkyPotteryCO said 5 years ago
Wow! I love looking at how these artists created works inspired by the masterpieces. What a wonderful article. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Renata and Jonathan from RenataandJonathan said 5 years ago
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing.
Marta DQ from tribomo said 5 years ago
Great idea, amazing artists!
Morna Crites-Moore from WickedWaifVINTAGE said 5 years ago
Fabulous ... so glad you shared this here.
Rose Candela Moore from DrawingLoveStudio said 5 years ago
I adore this, as an Art historian and artist, this makes my heart melt with joy.
Lisa from CecilandCo said 5 years ago
I was so excited to find this...can't wait to try it...:)
Lydia from LydiaJaneVintage said 5 years ago
Wonder inspiration! Great idea!
DebRAHHH from MessyInspiredDesigns said 5 years ago
I love the colors and history that these pieces have!
Susan Jizba from TheWeaverOfWords said 5 years ago
Such an amazingly fun & creative idea! Thank you for sharing!
Kate Che from qachesa said 5 years ago
Am intrigued, this is a great opportunity for someone's creativity)
IKA PARIS from ikabags said 5 years ago
Great work ! with very special details !
Ebruk from Ebruk said 5 years ago
Amazing artist ! All wonderful !
Janice Bailor from laruedefleurs said 5 years ago
What an inspiring collection of work! It is really inspiring to see artists taking centuries old paintings and turning them into new and useful items fir us to live with everyday- a philosophy near and dear to my heart! Thanks Rijksmuseum for an awesome challenge!
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 5 years ago
Such great work!
Kirsten Gilmore from PaintingsByKEGilmore said 5 years ago
This is an excellent idea! I may try an image transfer of a figure from their paintings onto birch wood, then combine that with poured acrylic painting techniques. I assume they are lifting the normal copyright restrictions on using such images, at least temporarily.
Jana from tangledPen said 5 years ago
This is so awesome! Great work! I have been to the Rijksmuseum last Summer - I could've spend days there!!! ...will have to check out this site :)
Mary from herbanlifestyle said 5 years ago
Love seeing these creative reinterpretations!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
Amazing idea ! Thank you.
Mel Zuydgeest from StunwithFun said 5 years ago
Geweldig om werk van Nederlanders via andere artiesten aan de andere kant van de oceaan als feature te zien op deze manier! Great to see Dutch' work reinterpreted by other artists featured on this side of the ocean. I'll see if there's something to my liking to work into my designs.;o)
Cinne Worthington from CBanningAccessories said 5 years ago
This work is really fabulous and inspirational! I think the closing date for the contest is March 1...better jump to it!
Rin from shopwhimandvigor said 5 years ago
This is brilliant: such beautiful, creative interpretations. I wish I could see it all in person!
libelulablanca said 5 years ago
fantàstic!!!
Dig Deep Vintage from digdeepvintage said 5 years ago
all I can say is wow!
1AEON from 1AEON said 5 years ago
Love it! Yay! Congrats! How original!
Betty from BangupBetty said 5 years ago
Those plates are EVERYTHING to me. EVERYTHING.
Isabella Di Sclafani from IsabellaDiSclafani said 5 years ago
Excellent collaboration between the past and the present. The possibilities are endless. Thank you ETSY for letting us know about this.
Linda from lovelygifts said 5 years ago
Beautiful!
Natalia from KMalinkaVintage said 5 years ago
Amazing!
Danni Meyerson from oropajewelry said 5 years ago
i wanna try!! i wanna TRY!!
PaperAltar from PaperAltar said 5 years ago
What an exciting project. Beautiful collection so far - it will be amazing to see what people come up with.
Ele from minouette said 5 years ago
That's a fabulous idea! I love the idea of a museum engaging with contemporary artists and makers and encouraging them to "remix" their masterpieces... and the Rijksmuseum has such an incredible collection to work with! I've had the great priviledge of visiting it twice.
Send-A-Smooch from SendASmooch said 5 years ago
Some awesome items here:)
Annemette Klit from TheClayPlay said 5 years ago
Great Ideas and well done.
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 5 years ago
Very cool collaboration idea - so great to see how these classics influence contemporary work.
seasidecloth from seasidecloth said 5 years ago
Those ants - the details - impressive ! I will definitely be checking out this museum.
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 5 years ago
Absolutely TERRIFIC! I've loved the concept of "art to wear" for many more years than I can remember and actually have some new ideas for items planned for my shop....this just gives me further impetus!
Anne Maa Designs from AnneMaaDesigns said 5 years ago
Sooo Superbly Cool!
Clare and Richard Kapin from VarietyArtworks said 5 years ago
Very cool!
Oliveti from BeelineStudio said 5 years ago
wow- this is incredibly inspiring- and what an opportunity! Love Norwegian Wood's design! Gorgeous !!! Thanks Etsy !
Pat Parker from PatsPottery said 5 years ago
How neat!!
M. May Newman from NorthernNatives said 5 years ago
Ah, I've wasted so much time dreaming about what I could do with those Rijksmusem paintings! Thanks for the inspiration!
Pepitas House from PepitasStudio said 5 years ago
This is a beautiful collection. And so original. Like the ants in your food plates.
Voula Kambouris from Voulashomemadeprod said 5 years ago
Amazing work , congrats.
Asma from AsmaOriginal said 5 years ago
This is taking art to a whole new level. The plates are a must have!
kristin from blackmoonsky said 5 years ago
this is seriously a dream come true.
Cynthia from 2chicdesigns said 5 years ago
Beautiful collection!
Travis from strangepainting said 5 years ago
This is amazing.
amanda schwartz from TwoTickets said 5 years ago
Super cool and inspiring!!!!
Chris from HarmonyBalls said 5 years ago
Thank you for sharing this amazing work, very impressive!
Polly Jones from PollyPainting said 5 years ago
What an incredible idea, love seeing how artists used the raw material of the Rijksmuseum.
Diane from LaughingWaveDesigns said 5 years ago
I wonder if this is where designers come up with such beautiful creations - from the history of others - beautiful.
Deb Vasbinder from BabyCuteBaby said 5 years ago
Really Great Work !
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 5 years ago
Awesome!
Gwynne Collins from DaysLongGone said 5 years ago
Wow! These are incredible pieces! Thanks for sharing! What an opportunity!
Sarah Brown from sarahbrown said 5 years ago
Wow! Such beautiful work! I love the lingerie!!! Awesome!!!
mary from QueenofCuffs said 5 years ago
What an inspired idea by the museum - I am so excited to read about this. I love using old masters portraits in my pendants - I am intrigued to see the creative things designers and crafts artists come up with . . . really love this. Thanks so much for sharing !
Tisha Lee from TishaLeeSmith said 5 years ago
Wow, these are so beautiful! Such talent :)
Donnie from DonniesDiscounts said 5 years ago
this is not new, ive seen this before
Julie and Jade Station from JulieandJadeVintage said 5 years ago
What great creativity from these artists! Thank you for sharing this interesting feature :)
VaLon Frandsen from thevicagirl said 5 years ago
Wow, what talent. I love it. Heading to go check out the contest.
JT Thompson III from memphisjt said 5 years ago
Fantastic!
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 5 years ago
Wow all these works are so uniquely beautiful and cool!!! Awesome!
Angie at Kaert Vintage from kaert said 5 years ago
Stunning work, beautifully interpreted. Hmm, my mind is racing with ideas...
Ludmilla from buffalogirls said 5 years ago
Yes, that is what museums in Europe are. Missing my old continent:)
Carmen Roche from WildChick said 5 years ago
Awesome pictures!! GOOD JOB.
choisette from choisette said 5 years ago
crazy good designs.
Aga from AgasJourney said 5 years ago
beautiful creativity and great example of sharing art to inspire others.
Marmen Raquin from FrenchAtticFinds said 5 years ago
wow!! congrats to the talented etsians! amazing work!
happytex said 5 years ago
Fantastic ! Can't wait to visit the Rijks to see these wonderful designs
iammie from iammie said 5 years ago
Amazing!
studioRS from studioRS said 5 years ago
Fascinating project! Thanks for sharing!
Deanna M from I365Art said 5 years ago
You have an artistic eye. I love the ant design plates!
Leann Burns from LoveActuallyBeads said 5 years ago
What a great article featuring amazing artists and a unique contest that we can all be inspired from! Thanks Etsy!
Andriana Nikolaides from AndrianaNk said 5 years ago
Very interesting work..fantastic reinterpretations!
Lucy Snowe from lucysnowephotography said 5 years ago
This is incredibly exciting!
Nancy Liedel from Liedelfiberarts said 5 years ago
Frijoles on toast!!! Amazing. I say strange stuff like that when I am impressed. I am very impressed.
Deborah Cracchiolo from VintageHauteStuff said 5 years ago
your truly spectacular vision sets the bar even higher yet again......I would want to partake in showing my art....how is this possible. my art is @ deborahcracchiolo.etsy.com
Kathleen Jackson from wheredshegetthat said 5 years ago
wow! I love this!
Jeanne Berg from MagpieWorkshop said 5 years ago
Fabulous!
Michelle Carter from puzzlingcrafts said 5 years ago
Outstanding
Toile La La from ArtFashionCreation said 5 years ago
With Rijksstudio, the Rijksmuseum is drawing interest to historical art and culture via modern technology: a union of past and present. Many museums now offer art experience studios - where visitors enjoy the opportunity to express their own creativity. I think programs such as these are an excellent way to cultivate a burgeoning interest in art/history and culture - as creating or interacting with art may be the best way to maintain support and appreciation for wonderful museums of the world. Thank you Etsy for sharing news of Rijksmuseum's project and the inspired work of featured artists.
Holly Placzek from CrownofLifegems said 5 years ago
Amazing interpretations...I especially love the wearable art...thanks for the much needed inspiration blessings holly
Paula from paulajeansgarden said 5 years ago
thoughtfully done. i love this piece.
Fields Of Vintage from FieldsOfVintage said 5 years ago
How exciting for Etsy artisans to be able to partner with the Rijksmuseum and showcase their work.
Emily from LoomofDoom said 5 years ago
As an artist and art teacher, this is so cool!
Dickson from bag4dream said 5 years ago
Amazing! Love love love !
Laura Prill from lauraprillabstract said 5 years ago
Mind blowing...
Mirjam from madebymirjam said 5 years ago
Which is great to get involved with this competition...... Old painters inspired me in my glass-objects....... Love...love...........
Jackie from RuehLoo said 5 years ago
Amazing work!
Svitlana from ScarfObsession said 5 years ago
Amazing! Beautiful work!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Wonderful promotion!
Elizabeth England from ninedragons said 5 years ago
Fantastically creative!
Zoui from XZOUIX said 5 years ago
SPLENDID creations !!! thumbs up! :)
Paula Barnett from PaulaElaineBarnett said 5 years ago
This is awesome!!! I have a degree in art history and this is like going to the candy store. Hats off the Rijks Museum!
Terri Ventura from dimestoreemporium said 5 years ago
Unbelievable... I must give some of these techniques someday
Kim Strozewski from SassySisterVintage said 5 years ago
Fantastic! Especially those plates........
Puga Fashion Designer from PugaFashion said 5 years ago
Very inspiring!
Tovi Sorga from tovicorrie said 5 years ago
Thank you for including me in this wonderful project :-)
Sandy Wiggins from SandyWigginsImages said 5 years ago
What a brilliant project! Bravo to the Rijksmuseum team! And to each of the Etsy designers...such beautiful, inspiring creations! You are all so very talented.
Sandy Wiggins from SandyWigginsImages said 5 years ago
Brilliant project Team Rijksmuseum! And to each of the Etsy designers....you are all so very talented!
Elizabeth from AtolyeMetiista said 5 years ago
Brilliant! This is exactly what I have in mind as I create my work: looking at interesting designs and patterns, and re-creating them in a totally new and different form from the original. I love it!
Genise Park from genisepark said 5 years ago
Incredible work!!!
Jennifer Presler from IlluminativeHarvest said 5 years ago
amazing creativity!
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat said 5 years ago
Fascinating idea.
ZenBrush from ZenBrush said 5 years ago
Great art is always an inspiration - no matter what you style is.
Ann Bean from AnnBeanArtStudio said 5 years ago
Sounds Exciting! So I'll be checking out Art and potential projects. Love the challenge/
Asta from CozyCappuccino said 5 years ago
wow! this is amazing resource!
Elizabeth Tipton from ROSEWORX said 5 years ago
Thanks so much for the information. How open and forward of the museum to make these available. I'm very excited about this new resource!
Vintage Minnow from VintageMinnow said 5 years ago
Awesome! If we paid attention more to the details around us...ideas would be NON-stop!
vtorys said 5 years ago
awesome! ♥
Gaiana L. from BellaVea said 5 years ago
amazing!
Paul from DotsNoMore said 5 years ago
An example for all the other museums of the world!
thewrenskeep said 5 years ago
How wonderful! Amazing art!
Gretel from TwigsAndTwistFabrics said 5 years ago
Makes your mind begin spin! oh the ideas..
CrystalCreek from CrystalCreek said 5 years ago
A Great Blog.. Thank You for Sharing .. I Love the Thought of Interconnecting with Great Pieces of Art , and exploring our own Creativity.. In the Process... Amazing Visionaries at Rijksmuseum!!!
asterstardesigns said 5 years ago
What a lovely inspirational blog. Thank you for sharing.
lana guerra from CrudeThings said 5 years ago
wow! really awesome!
Susan Beetlestone from BeetlestoneStudioArt said 5 years ago
This is a lesson in how to take inspiration from the works of others. Thank you.
Susan L. Siegel from StudioCLD said 5 years ago
A creative challenge and a master P.R. opportunity for both the Museum and all artists ...Local and International museums can take this idea and run with it...wonderful possibilities for everyone! A lesson in how to increase attendance, attention and inspiration.
Jackie from MoonStarsJewelry said 5 years ago
Fantastic idea on many levels, cross pollinating creativity! Thank you.
Ophelia from Opelotti said 5 years ago
Marvelous.
ZyrrellsCavern from TranscendenceDesigns said 5 years ago
I love seeing people's creativity at work. It's always amazing.
patricia5832 said 5 years ago
Great concept...love to see art that extends beyond the box and circle of "ordinary things/art".
indre from HelloMyGoddess said 5 years ago
WOW!!!! I am speechless at the beauty! Thanks, etsy, for letting us know about this great opportunity!
mommapotot1964 said 5 years ago
This comment is directed to the etsy artist that portrayed they're version of"swarming ants"on Beautifully painted China plates. They're wounderful! The ants are so life like ! How do I buy a set?
Michelle Maynard from SimonesRoseBoutique said 5 years ago
Very well done & great choice of Etsy artists to showcase the potential using Rijksmuseum / Rijkstudio! Can't wait to dive in and try it out!
Diana from yimmekedesign said 5 years ago
I am from the Netherlands, living in the USA now for about 11 years. Before we immigrated over here I told my American husband I was not going to leave the country unless I had visited the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, along with the van Gogh museum. Growing up in a country with so much history, beauty and breath taking art, it is very easy to take it for granted. The country is very small and you fool yourself thinking that it all is so easy to get to,that you will take the train tomorrow and go, but will you believe that I STILL did not get a chance to visit ? Life took over, packing,planning, worrying, flying and now...regret...but I am NOT dead yet...!
missy dahl from dahlmissy said 5 years ago
awesome!
Elizabeth from BeachHouseGallery said 5 years ago
Thank you Etsy for letting us know about this great opportunity :)
Heike Adam from StimmungeninFarbe said 5 years ago
That is really awesome and I have already some ideas what to create. Need to hurry, the deadline is soon :-) I think I should visit Amsterdam soon, it is not far away from Germany!
shelleypapij said 5 years ago
What a brilliant idea from the Rijksmuseum!
Alderamin said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! :)
Amanda Williamson from Ennyluap said 5 years ago
Oh my gosh, absolutely beautiful!
Lynn Hilton from ArtsyLynnHilton said 5 years ago
Thank you Rijksmuseum! Wish I would have seen this sooner. What a great way to literally support the arts of today!
breadandroses2 from breadandroses2 said 5 years ago
Wondrous.
texturedideas said 5 years ago
Absolutely wonderful collection with interesting concepts. I love the cohesion of modern and medieval elements!
cronopia6 from cronopia6 said 5 years ago
greats!
Brandi Adoff from brandeye said 5 years ago
this is amazing.
Setlla Cai from RainbowSilk said 5 years ago
That is incredible work. I am speechless at the beauty!