The generous scope of the Dr Anton C.R. Dreesmann collection offers a fascinating overview of the major movements in Impressionist and Modern art.
The most important artists of the time are represented with notable examples of their work-from the first generation of Impressionist artists (Degas, Monet, Renoir, Sisley) through the major figures of Post-Impressionism (Cézanne, Gauguin, van Gogh, Seurat, to mention a few), to the greats of the Modern movement (Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Marc and Chagall).
The breadth of the collection allows the enjoyment of a host of stimulating and instructive juxtapositions. The beginning of the 1880s, for instance, was a crucial period in the development of the avant-garde and three of the Dreesmann pictures of this date-by Renoir, van Gogh and Seurat-ably represent the differing currents of thought.
Renoir's La promenade displays his mastery of fleeting line and urban subject, both guiding principles of the Impressionist group; van Gogh's Sien, facing left typifies his forceful, passionate handling and poignant subject matter; Seurat's Le tas de pierre shows the artist working through his scientific color theory and beginning to bring out the monumental qualities of a seemingly humble subject.
