Katwijk Artists' Colony

The fishing village of Katwijk on the Dutch North Sea coast was first discovered by painters as early as the 17th century. But it wasn’t until 1856, after Jozef Israëls—who had previously spent time in Barbizon, the cradle of European artists’ colonies—visited the area, that many others, including renowned German painters, followed in his footsteps. The subjects depicted in Katwijk are characterized by the fishermen’s arduous daily labor and village life. Popular subjects included the Katwijk traditional costume, the flat-bottomed boats, and the fish auction on the beach. Human figures, rather than the landscape, dominate these highly atmospheric, often large-scale paintings, which convey a strong sense of the era.

The exhibition is being organized in collaboration with the Museum Katwijk and the Kunstkaten Ahrenshoop.