Lot 250
  • 250

Floris Arntzenius

Estimate
120,000 - 140,000 EUR
bidding is closed

Description

  • Floris Arntzenius
  • A view of the Spuistraat, The Hague
  • signed l.l.
  • watercolour heightened with white

  • 50 by 35 cm.

Provenance

Private collection, the Netherlands

Exhibited

The Hague, Museum Mesdag, Dwars door de stad. Stadsgezichten uit de 19de eeuw, Floris Arntzenius als portretteur van Den Haag, 5 October 2007 - 20 January 2008

Literature

M. de Haan, M. van der Heijden, A. Nazarian, Dwars door de stad. C. Springer, G.H. Breitner, F. Arntzenius en het negentiende eeuwse stadsgezicht, The Hague 2007, illustrated on the cover of the book and illustrated on p. 74 

Condition

Papertape along all 4 edges, otherwise loose. Fresh colours. In excellent 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."

Catalogue Note

Floris Arntzenius acquired his greatest fame with his lively street scenes of The Hague, the city were he spent almost his entire career. After completing his studies at the Amsterdam Academy (1883-1888) and the Academy of Antwerp (1888-1889), Artnzenius first moved to Amsterdam. From 1892 onwards he lived in The Hague, where he became particularly fascinated by the crowded streets in the centre of the city, where the painter's studio was located.

The present lot, depicting a lively view of the Spuistraat, is one of the finest examples of the artist's unique ability to merge the atmospheric, subdued art of the Hague School with the modern urban subjects favoured by their Amsterdam counterpart, the so-called 'Tachtigers'-movement. In that respect Arntzenius' work is closely related to the urban Impressionism of Isaac Israels and George Hendrik Breitner, artists he knew well.

The present lot is a great example of Arntzenius' mature style and actually one of the very best watercolours he ever painted. As often, he portrayed the Spuistraat on a greyish, rainy day, with the facades and promenading people reflected in the glistening, wet pavement of the street. Despite the subdued colouring - definitely in tune with the Hague School - the watercolour impresses by its clarity and fresh, original colouring. In that sense this watercolour is preserved wonderfully.

In every respect, this watercolour is a great example of the artist's skills as a painter of fleeting impressions. Like Isaac Israels, Arntzenius regarded the streets as his open air studio. 'What fascinated him', a critic wrote, 'is the rhythm of the windows, the facades, the signboards and the movement of the passing people. But above all he aimed at depicting atmospheric effects, the sense of the city in the evening, in the fog, with sunny weather or just after the rain'.

The artist frequently depicted himself and it's a tempting thought to recognize him in the man with the moustache and bolder head in the centre. This is fully in tune with how the artist saw himself: not just a sharp observer, but equally a participant, for whom the city-life became a life-long source of inspiration.

The location of the present watercolour - the Spuistraat near the tobacco shop of A. Smit - recurs in his work more often. The artist used to rent a window from which he worked. He explained this working method as follows: 'Whenever I discover a nice street or canal, I look around to find a window I can rent. Sitting in the street or on a canal is impossible, with all the people watching you. Behind the window you can sit quietly'.

'Hij houdt van woelige drukte en geeft daarvan de volle sensatie. Als hij zijn kans schoon ziet, verschanst hij zich op een stil plekje voor een venster van een onbewoond huis en maakt dan zijn schets van de drukte en het gewirwar van menschen en huizensilhouetten in vlugge, geestige toetsen' (quoted from P.A. Haaxman Jr, 'Floris Arntzenius', Elsevier's Geïllustreerd Maanschrift 1903, p. 165)