1800-1900 tells the eventful story of the 19th century in the Netherlands--from the Napoleonic Wars and the Industrial Revolution to Belgian independence and colonial politics in the Dutch East Indies--through the Rijksmuseum´s 100 most important objects from the era. From Jan Willem Pieneman´s huge painting "The Battle of Waterloo" to Vincent van Gogh´s self-portrait; from the piano once owned by Louis Napoleon to the most beautiful art nouveau vases; from the most famous Hague School and Breitner paintings to the exuberant applied art once displayed at world´s fairs, this volume is an essential companion to the Rijksmuseum´s important 19th century collection. Each object is fully contextualized with a detailed explanation of its origin, history and function. An essential volume for lovers of the art and history of the era, 1800-1900 traces the political, social, economic and artistic history of the 19th century through its objects.