Slow Museum Saturdays #2: The Dutch Mona Lisa!

Important Note: This meetup follows a specific format centered on slow looking and mindful observation. If you prefer a conventional museum visit or seek to cover many artworks quickly, this event may not align with your expectations.

We are thrilled to invite you to the second edition of Slow Museum Saturdays, a biweekly gathering that embraces slow looking and mindful exploration. This is an opportunity to engage deeply with art in an intimate, reflective setting while building connections with fellow art enthusiasts.

This week we are going to the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague. Mauritshuis offers a unique, rustic ambiance within its historic structure. Space is limited, making it ideal for small group exploration. The museum provides elevator access, including a modern glass lift and discreet elevators behind original paneling.

📅 Agenda

• 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Meet & Introduction at the museum café (enter via the side entrance).
• 2:15 PM – 3:45 PM: Slow Looking Session (7–10 minutes per artwork).
• 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM: Group Discussion for sharing reflections and insights.
• 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up with casual chats at a nearby café.

🎭 Selected Artworks & Reflective Prompts
Here are some curated suggestions for our slow looking session. These prompts are designed to guide your observation and reflection:

• Girl with a Pearl Earring – Johannes Vermeer: Contemplate the candidness of the subject, her subtle expression, and the play of light. What stories emerge from her gaze and posture? How does the simplicity of the composition evoke profound reflection?
• Old Woman and Boy with Candle – Peter Paul Rubens: Observe the interplay of light and shadow, focusing on how it shapes the emotions captured in this intimate scene. What feelings arise as you study the details, such as the boy’s gaze and the woman’s shielding gesture?
• Imaginary Landscape with St John on Patmos – Hans Del: Notice the use of bold blue hues and the unconventional scale of elements. How does the landscape challenge your perception of depth and narrative? What emotions does the surreal composition evoke?
• Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher – Johannes Moreelse: Reflect on the philosophical undercurrents conveyed through the figure’s smile and posture. How does humor interplay with wisdom? What does this piece reveal about human nature and introspection?

These are suggestions to enrich your experience. The museum itself is filled with captivating pieces, and we encourage you to follow your curiosity and inspirations.

📢 Stay Connected

• Follow us on Instagram for updates and reflections.
• Join our WhatsApp Group for the latest news and discussions.

⚠️ Additional Information:

• Please purchase your own tickets for the specified start time.
• The event is designed for smaller groups due to limited space in the museum.
• Feel free to take personal notes and share observations during our group discussions.

We look forward to embarking on this reflective journey together. Let’s slow down, observe deeply, and appreciate art in its most thoughtful form.