Martin Monnickendam - The Lek near Amerongen

Martin Monnickendam (1874–1943)

The Lek near Amerongen with a view of Molen De Maallust

1916

Signed and dated lower left

Pastel, watercolour and chalk on paper

48 x 60 cm

Provenance:

Leviet Collection.

Condition:

In good condition.

Additional information:

Martin Monnickendam grew up in a prosperous, liberal Jewish family in Amsterdam. After studying at the Rijksacademie and a formative period in Paris, he developed a highly individual painting style characterised by a loose touch, clear colours and a keen eye for light and atmosphere. He exhibited extensively in the Netherlands and abroad and was regarded as one of the innovators of Dutch painting.

Alongside his well-known Amsterdam city views and theatre interiors, Monnickendam often sought out nature. In this panoramic landscape he looks out over Amerongen from a raised field, with the red roofs and Molen De Maallust forming the centre of the composition. With a subdued palette and subtle handling of light, he captures the tranquillity and expansiveness of the Dutch landscape.

Towards the end of his life, Monnickendam was increasingly excluded by the German occupiers, although he continued to work. Shortly before he was due to be deported, he died of pneumonia. A large part of his oeuvre survived and was brought together by the Stichting Vrienden van de schilder Martin Monnickendam.