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Lot Essay
At the age of fourteen Johannes Klinkenberg began his training under Christoffel Bisschop (1828-1904) who was a well established artist known for his paintings with historical subjects. Bisschops handling of paint, his focus on sunlight and the contrasts between light and dark had a tremendous influence on Klinkenberg.
Johannes Klinkenberg was interested in history painting but chose to specialize in city views at a young age. A large number of the old cities in The Netherlands with their historical architecture have been depicted by him, especially cities where water is prominent such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. He frequently painted the canals that he loved so much with their beautiful reflective surfaces. He often chose the most picturesque spots in a city which he transformed into slightly idealized and alluring impressions, although he never strayed far from the truth. Reality was however occasionally secondary to a balanced composition.
The effects of sunlight and the lively and luminous pallet which established Klinkenberg's reputation, are both clearly visible in the present lot; a view of the Nieuwe Uitleg and Smidswater in The Hague. The pretty canal is bathed in sunlight which is subtly filtered by the leaves of the overhanging trees. Colourful reflections seem to shimmer on the surface of the water, enhancing the charm and warm atmosphere of a day in summer which the artist intended to realize.
It is interesting to note that the present lot last appeared on the art market at Christie's in London in 1899. The artworks offered at this sale had been presented to the Netherlands Benevolent Society by the various 'Modern Dutch artists' that took part. The auction was organised on the occasion of the accession to the throne of Queen Wilhelmina and the 25th anniversary of the founding of the society.
Johannes Klinkenberg was interested in history painting but chose to specialize in city views at a young age. A large number of the old cities in The Netherlands with their historical architecture have been depicted by him, especially cities where water is prominent such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. He frequently painted the canals that he loved so much with their beautiful reflective surfaces. He often chose the most picturesque spots in a city which he transformed into slightly idealized and alluring impressions, although he never strayed far from the truth. Reality was however occasionally secondary to a balanced composition.
The effects of sunlight and the lively and luminous pallet which established Klinkenberg's reputation, are both clearly visible in the present lot; a view of the Nieuwe Uitleg and Smidswater in The Hague. The pretty canal is bathed in sunlight which is subtly filtered by the leaves of the overhanging trees. Colourful reflections seem to shimmer on the surface of the water, enhancing the charm and warm atmosphere of a day in summer which the artist intended to realize.
It is interesting to note that the present lot last appeared on the art market at Christie's in London in 1899. The artworks offered at this sale had been presented to the Netherlands Benevolent Society by the various 'Modern Dutch artists' that took part. The auction was organised on the occasion of the accession to the throne of Queen Wilhelmina and the 25th anniversary of the founding of the society.