Bergje maken

The present lot was painted in Katwijk, where the artist had taken up residence in the 1890's. His previous residence Scheveningen was rapidly turning into a wordly beach resort and had lost its charm in Blommers' eyes. Katwijk was still a relatively unspoilt fishing village and provided the artist with fresh inspiration to paint his favourite subject: carefree children absorbed in their daily activities and play. Local children would often pose for this purpose on the beach or in his studio. This is also the case in the present lot: the two young girls have been identified as Wilhelmina Remmelzwaal and her younger sister Geertje, daughters of a shellfisher. As Wilhelmina was born in 1894, it is likely that the present lot was painted circa 1900 (See T. de Liefde-van Brakel, op.cit., p. 61).

A smaller version is in the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto (oil on canvas, 55.2 x 68.6 cm; photograph in the R.K.D., The Hague).

See colour illustration