Carel Fabritius
A tiny bird perched on its feeding box, painted in 1654 and still one of the best-loved paintings in the Netherlands: The Goldfinch by Carel Fabritius. In this collection of museum souvenirs you will find the masterpiece on carefully made gifts, from ceramic wall plates and a mug in soft pastel colours to a cushion cover, tea towel, paperweight and Christmas ornament. A refined gift for art lovers, bird lovers and anyone who has fond memories of a visit to the Mauritshuis in The Hague.
The Goldfinch by Carel Fabritius: a masterpiece to take home
The painting is barely larger than a sheet of A4, yet anyone who has stood in front of The Goldfinch at the Mauritshuis rarely forgets it. A goldfinch sits on the perch of its feeding box, held by a fine chain, against a pale, bare wall. With a few loose, confident brushstrokes Fabritius makes the feathers look almost real. That simplicity and play of light are what make the work so special, and so recognisable on a gift.
The Dutch title, Het Puttertje, refers to an old trick: tame goldfinches were taught to draw water (putten) using a tiny bucket on a chain. In the Dutch Golden Age, such a bird was a popular household pet. De Holland Winkel has been selling Dutch souvenirs and gifts since 2002, and in this category we have brought together all our items featuring The Goldfinch.
Who was Carel Fabritius?
Carel Fabritius was born in 1622 in Middenbeemster, in the Beemster polder north of Amsterdam. He first worked as a carpenter, which probably explains his surname (from the Latin faber, craftsman). In Amsterdam he went on to become one of Rembrandt's most gifted pupils. Where his master often worked with dark backgrounds, Fabritius preferred to set darker figures against a light background, exactly as you see in The Goldfinch.
Around 1650 he settled in Delft. There, on 12 October 1654, he was killed in the Delft Thunderclap, the huge explosion of a gunpowder store that destroyed much of the city. He was only 32. Much of his work was probably lost as well: only a handful of his paintings survive. Even so, Fabritius is seen as an important link between Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer, who worked in the same city.
Which Fabritius souvenirs are available?
Wall plates and decoration
Ceramic wall plates featuring The Goldfinch, in the classic version or a soft pastel edition. A stylish way to hang a piece of the Golden Age on your wall, no museum gallery required.
For the kitchen and the table
A mug with the little goldfinch, a tea towel and paper napkins. Lovely for everyday use, or for laying a festive table for a birthday or an artistic afternoon tea.
Home textiles
A cushion cover with The Goldfinch literally brings the painting into your home. A calm, warm design that suits both classic and modern interiors.
Small gifts and desk accessories
A bookmark, fridge magnet, lens cloth, mouse mat or glass paperweight. The Goldfinch Christmas ornament is a favourite too: a small work of art for the Christmas tree.
A refined gift for art lovers
Our museum souvenirs are a step up from the average tourist trinket. These are well-finished items that do the painting justice, making them suitable as a personal gift, a memento of a museum visit or an elegant corporate gift.
- ✓For museum visitors: a tangible keepsake of your visit to the Mauritshuis.
- ✓For readers: loved Donna Tartt's novel The Goldfinch? A gift featuring the painting from the book is sure to delight.
- ✓For bird lovers: the goldfinch is one of the most charming and famous birds in art history.
- ✓For businesses: a cultured, typically Dutch gift for international partners and clients.
- ✓For the festive season: a thoughtful Christmas present, or the ornament as a little extra with a card.
Frequently asked questions about Carel Fabritius souvenirs
Where can I see The Goldfinch in real life? +
The Goldfinch is part of the permanent collection of the Mauritshuis in The Hague. In reality the painting is surprisingly small, roughly 33 by 23 centimetres. Visiting The Hague? Take a look at our The Hague souvenirs as well.
Is this the painting from the book and film The Goldfinch? +
Yes. Fabritius's painting plays a central role in Donna Tartt's award-winning novel The Goldfinch, which was later adapted into a film. As a result, the work has become famous worldwide, well beyond the museum world.
Do you ship Fabritius souvenirs abroad? +
Yes. We ship our souvenirs within the Netherlands and worldwide. Light items such as the bookmark, magnet or tea towel are ideal for sending to friends and family overseas. See our shipping costs page for all destinations.
Can I order these items as corporate gifts or in larger quantities? +
Certainly. Looking for a cultural gift for clients, partners or guests? Visit our B2B page or email info@hollandwinkel.nl.
Can I add a personal message? +
Yes, we include a card with your personal message free of charge. Would you like your gift beautifully wrapped? Choose one of our gift wrapping options.
Discover more Dutch Masters
Fabritius is in good company. Our shop offers thousands of Dutch souvenirs and gifts, including museum collections dedicated to his teacher Rembrandt and to Johannes Vermeer, who, like Fabritius, worked in Delft.