Geert Grauss 1882-1929

Collection Van Ommen van Guijlik, Amsterdam

Original canvas. A circa 5 cm. long retouch in the lower part of the green cloth hanging over the chair in the right foreground. Some minor craquelure in the blue blouse of the lady on the far right and in the dark parts of the upper background (visible in the illustration). Otherwise this lot is in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present lot depicts the lively interior of the famous Grand Hotel and Café Restaurant Mille Colonnes in Amsterdam. Around the turn of the century, this café on the Rembrandtplein was frequented by many artists, especially the group of writers and painters associated with the so-called Eighties-movement. In his poem 'Mast' (1949) the Dutch writer Arthur van Schendel memorises the stimulating atmosphere in Mille Colonnes. Hein Boeken, one of the core members of the Eighties group, described it as his favourite gathering place where 'de oneindig vergezichten weerkaatsende spiegelwanden, de zilvergrijs hangende sigaren-rook, het zoo gedempt, uit de witte ballonnen dalende electrische licht de jonge kunstenaars hielp om uit de enge grenzen van hun beperkt alledaags-leven in gedachte naar de ruimere, ja onbegrensde rijken van herinnering en verbeelding uit te vliegen' (quoted from 'In memoriam G.W. Dijsselhof', De Nieuwe Gids, 1924, pp. 94-95).