Klaasje Zevenster: the dapper gentleman

Details

Mari ten Kate (Dutch, 1831-1910)
Klaasje Zevenster: the dapper gentleman
signed 'Mari ten Kate' (lower right); and signed again and inscribed 'Klaasje Zevenster op Hordestein' (on the reverse)
charcoal and chalk on paper
45 x 68 cm.

Special notice

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Lot Essay

This drawing is a book illustration for the scandalous novel Klaasje Zevenster by Jacob van Lennep (1802-1868) which caused a stir when it was first published in 1865-1866. The novel and other romantic works by the author enjoyed uninterrupted popularity throughout the century. Between 1888 and 1891 a 'de-luxe edition' of the Romantische Werken ('Romantic Works') with illustrations was published. Willem de Famars Testas (1834-1896) illustrated Klaasje Zevenster. David Bles and Charles Rochussen illustrated other works. In this vivid drawing he depicted the moment when Klaasje is rescued by a gentle neighbour.

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