Jacobus van Looy, In the Barn, Valkenswaard

Jacobus van Looy (1855–1930)

In the Barn, Valkenswaard

Signed lower right ‘Valkenswaard’

Watercolour, gouache and black chalk on paper

46 × 33 cm

Framed: 65 × 54.5 cm

Provenance:

Private collection, Heemstede.

Condition:

In very good condition.

Description:

This drawing by Jacobus van Looy depicts a dark interior, with a bent figure in blue at its centre. To the right, a large wooden door draws the eye with its heavy planks, diagonal bracing, metal fittings and small details such as the hook and handle. The loose, vigorous lines and varied brown tones lend the wood a vivid, tactile quality. A child is sketched in the foreground in a few swift strokes. The interplay of the dark interior, warm wood and blue accents in the central figure’s clothing gives the work a distinctive atmospheric quality.

Jacobus van Looy (1855–1930) was a Haarlem painter, draughtsman and writer, and an important representative of the Tachtigers, the generation of artists and writers who placed beauty and personal experience at the centre of their work. He grew up in the Haarlem orphanage, where his talent for drawing was recognised at an early age. This talent enabled him to study at the art academy, and he went on to establish himself as an artist and writer.

After winning the Prix de Rome, Van Looy undertook an extended study tour through Southern Europe and North Africa. Morocco, and Tangier in particular, made a lasting impression on him. The lively markets, colourful figures and distinctive atmosphere inspired paintings, drawings and pastels, as well as literary works, including his novel Gekken. His travels remained a lasting source of inspiration and lent his oeuvre a pronounced Orientalist character.

His diverse body of work is represented in the collections of, among others, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Teylers Museum and the Frans Hals Museum.