Paulus Philippus Rink Dutch, 1861-1903

Paul Rink’s work can be situated in the proximity of the “Tachtigers” movement, the painters, poets and writers who were active between the Hague School period and the Symbolists. He was a contemporary of Tholen, Karsen, Verster and Witsen, all of whom survived him as he passed away when he was only 41.

Rink was very much a plein-air painter, with a preference for light and warm colours. “Rink’s aim has always been to express “the essence of life””, wrote art critic N.H. Wolf in 1903. “He shied away from a superficial treatment of his subjects”. He was very successful in his days, rewarded with the Prix de Rome in 1887 and commissioned to decorate the Royal Train in 1903. 

The current lot is a beautiful example of his plein-air skills combined with a thorough understanding of character. The girl in the field is earthy and dreamy at once, standing in the fields of the idyllic village of Zalk near the river Ijssel. The subtle play of light and warm colours show the craftsmanship of a true artist, whose early demise belied his full capability as a painter.