Panorama Mesdag

Panorama Mesdag is the oldest panorama constantly presented in the same place in the world. The 14 m high painting is 120 m long and 1680 m2 of painted surface. The author of this unusual work is Hendrik Mesdag. His wife and three other painters helped him in his work. The work was completed in 1881. Since then, it can be seen in the same place - now a special part of the Mauritshuis museum.

The picture shows a view of the North Sea coast, The Hague and Scheveningen, which was then a small fishing village. Currently, it is one of the most well-known seaside resorts of the Netherlands.

Hendrik Mesdag (1831-1915) initially made a career as a bank employee. He started painting only when he was 35 years old. He quickly became a valued maritime artist. Due to his interests, he moved to Scheveningen. Panorama Mesdag is the work of his life.