George Hendrik Breitner Dutch, 1857-1923

A. Venema, G.H. Breitner, 1857-1923, Bussum 1981, illustrated on p. 266

Painted in 1896

The present lot was part of the collection of the Dutch painter C.J. Maks. He was a great admirer of Breitner, who rented his studio from Maks' father. As a token of his appreciation Breitner promised Maks' father to give his son, who wished to become a painter, some guidance. Breitner worked in a large studio on Prinseneiland 24-B, while Maks took up residence in the much smaller studio on Prinseneiland 24-A. As such the two were neighbours. Maks frequently roamed the city together with Breitner. No wonder he was heavily influenced by him, sometimes even copying his work. Maks especially admired Breitner's paintings of horses. He took up the subject for himself from 1897 onwards. Breitner very aptly noticed Maks' talent and adviced him to specialize in painting horses. It would become Maks' most famous subject. In this regard the present lot is of great historical value in the development of the painter Maks, but also a great example of the work of his teacher Breitner.