AMSTERDAM.-To mark the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt's birth in 2006 the Van Gogh Museum presents an exhibition by the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum featuring a remarkable confrontation between the two geniuses of Baroque art: Rembrandt van Rijn and his Italian counterpart, Caravaggio. In this first exhibition to juxtapose works by these masters of chiaroscuro, over 25 monumental paintings from various international museums provide a visual spectacle with powerful images of love, emotion and passion. Rembrandt-Caravaggio shows exclusively in Amsterdam, from 24 February to 18 June 2006. Rabobank is the chief sponsor of this unique joint project by the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) died four years after Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was born. Although they never met, there are many parallels between the two masters and their work. Both were revolutionary innovators in the art of southern and northern Europe respectively. And while they stemmed from different traditions of painting, they each developed an individual, dramatic visual idiom.

Caravaggio's work, which has not been shown in the Netherlands since 1952, is represented in this exhibition by major items from international museums. Masterpieces such as The Supper at Emmaus from London, Amor Vincit Omnia from Berlin and the Sacrifice of Isaac from Florence are in Amsterdam for the show. Famous paintings by Rembrandt from various museums abroad are also featured in the exhibition, including the Blinding of Samson from Frankfurt and Belshazzar's Feast from London. Most of the paintings are displayed in pairs of works by the two artists. The interior design is by Jean-Michel Wilmotte (Paris), exhibition architect of the New Rijksmuseum.

Launch of website and online ticket sales on 26 August 2005 - A new website, www.rembrandt-caravaggio.nl, opens on 26 August 2005. In addition to information about the exhibition and practical details, it is also possible to buy tickets via the site for Rembrandt-Caravaggio. Visitors are able to print their tickets in advance and proceed directly to the door when they come to the museum. No extra charge is made for this service; buying tickets online costs the same as at the ticket desk. This exhibition has not been divided into time blocks.

Combination ticket for exhibition, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum permanent collection - During Rembrandt-Caravaggio the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum offer a combination ticket for the exhibition, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. A combination ticket costs € 25 and can be purchased via www.rembrandt-caravaggio.nl. Tickets for Rembrandt-Caravaggio (including the Van Gogh Museum permanent collection) cost € 20.

Partnership Van Gogh Museum-Rabobank - Rabobank is chief sponsor of Rembrandt-Caravaggio, in line with the long-term partnership of Rabobank and the Van Gogh Museum. As sponsor of the exhibition Rabobank is able to offer its 1.5 million members and clients a unique opportunity to enjoy the work of the Dutch and Italian masters of chiaroscuro. Sponsoring the exhibition also promotes the partnership's aim of encouraging visitors to the Van Gogh Museum, as does the Rabobank's support for the Friday evening programme and its sponsorship of Fierce friends.