Amsterdam has a 200-year-private collection of Rembrandt portraits

A pair of tiny portraits by Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn from the 17th century went on exhibit on Wednesday after a lengthy loan to the National Art and History Museum of the Netherlands, following over 200 years in private ownership. Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and his wife Jaapgen’s portraits “disappeared from view for almost two centuries, before resurfacing two years ago,” according to the Rijksmuseum.

According to the museum, the paintings—which are thought to be the last two known privately owned Rembrandt portraits—were given on long-term loan by the rich Dutch businessman Henry Holterman’s family after being sold at auction this year.

“Given my close relationship with the museum and the fact that the team of experts has been conducting research into these portraits over a period of years, I feel that these works belong in the museum,” Holterman said in a statement.

According to the museum, Rembrandt most likely created the portraits as a favor for the couple since Jan and Jaapgen’s son Dominicus married the painter’s cousin, Cornelia Cornelisdr van Suytbroek, and because of their modest size and “dynamic, sketchy style.”

The images “will bring visitors closer to Rembrandt’s family circle,” according to Rijksmuseum Director Taco Dibbits, who praised the loan.

Using high-tech scans and paint analysis, museum researchers tried to prove that Rembrandt created the portraits, which are around 20 by 16.5 centimeters (8 by 6 inches).

The museum said that “when taken together, the various research results amount to compelling evidence.”

The portraits were shown with other Rembrandt pieces.