Albert Roelofs Dutch, 1877-1920

J.C. Schüller Fine Art Gallery, The Hague
Sale Amsterdam (Sotheby's), 17 April 2000, lot 363
Acquired at the above by the present owner

Straight solid panel. No retouches visible under UV-light. This work is in very good condition, still set in the original frame.
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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."

Albert Roelofs, born in the Belgian town Schaerbeek in 1877, was the son of the famous landscapist Willem Roelofs (1822-1897), one of the key figures of the Hague School. Not surprisingly, he received his first painting lessons from his father. In 1895 he enrolled at the Royal Academy in The Hague, where he met his future wife Tjieke Bleckman. The next year he returned to Brussels, where his father suffered from a severe illness. 

Albert always felt very much at home in the mundane Brussels art world, his style of painting being more in tune with the southern exuberance than the restrained, atmospheric art of the Hague School. Already in 1901, Albert voiced his ideas of devoting himself to the human figure, realising that his strength lay there, not in landcapes. His wife Tjieke frequently modelled for his paintings. It is therefore highly likely that she is also depicted here, as a bride. This unique picture can be ranged among the very best the artist ever painted, with sparkling light effects and a beautiful depiction of the female figure. Roelofs manages to create an atmosphere of inner harmony and seclusion, which he balances against an un-Dutch longing for exuberance.