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Charcoal drawing of Multatuli
€200€49-76%Bid from €40
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About this seller
Nijmegen, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since January 2023 • 9 sales
Product description
Charcoal portrait of most likely Eduard Douwes Dekker, or Multatuli (1820 - 1887), considered the most important writer in the Dutch-speaking world. (Photo 2 is an existing image of him, for comparison). Charcoal portrait found among a batch of antique photographs and images from around 1900.
Lesser-known artists (in this case W.J. Bornhof) in those days made portraits -for bread on the table- based on someone's photographs. Often at the request of relatives. The year 1887 of the portrait is consistent with Multatuli's death on Feb. 19, 1887. He looks somewhat younger here than in that last year of his life. They probably wanted an image of him in his prime years, so a bit more flattering than in his last days....
A.i. says this about it: 'This could be Multatuli - the external similarities are convincing enough to consider that a serious possibility.' But without explicit indication or provenance of the photograph, there is no certainty.'
Carefully touching an edge with a fingertip reveals black, indicative of charcoal. Given the good condition of the portrait, it has always been behind glass. How and why it was removed from the frame is not clear.
Size oval: 39 x 54 cm
The signs of use are evident from the photos, but the oval portrait itself is in fine condition.
The signs of use are evident from the photos, but the oval portrait itself is in fine condition.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsGrey, Beige, Brown, Taupe, Creme, BlackMaterialPaperNumber of items1Height57 cmWidth49 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Nijmegen, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since January 2023 • 9 sales