Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk

Self-portrait (c.1805)
The Raampoort in Amsterdam

Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk (28 May 1792, Amsterdam - 20 September 1810, Amsterdam) was a Dutch painter and etcher. Most of his works are landscapes (featuring cattle) or cityscapes.

Biography

He was born into a wealthy family. His father was a cloth merchant, but was also known as a chemist and physicist. Many scientists were guests at their home, which inspired his interest in nature. He began sketching and his talent was soon evident, so he was given drawing lessons by Anthonie Andriessen and painting lessons by Anthonie's brother, Juriaan.[1]

In 1803, he enrolled at the "Amsterdam Municipal Academy of Drawing". Two years later he joined the Felix Meritis society, where he won two medals for his work.[1] His style was inspired by Paulus Potter and Jacob van Ruisdael.

He never became a full-time artist. After 1805, he served as concierge at the Amsterdam City Hall, where he lived and had his studio. He devoted himself to painting before and after his working hours and used his days off to paint "en plein aire" (as it would later be called). He also took up etching; when he burned his foot and had to spend his time sitting at home.[1]

Ultimately, his passion for painting outdoors proved fatal. He worked too long on a cold Autumn night, came down with a high fever, and succumbed a few days later.[1] Only eight of his paintings are on public display, but there are numerous drawings, sketches and studies.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Biography and appreciation from the Biografisch Woordenboek van Nederland @ Huygens/Resources.

Further reading

Media related to Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk at Wikimedia Commons

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