'Maurits' Joseph Niekerk

Amsterdam 1871-1940 Paris
An omnibus in the city at night, oil on canvas 115.5 x 85.3 cm, signed l.r. and dated 1919

literature: Ingelies Vermeulen e.a., 'Nachtlicht. De schilders van het nieuwe licht 1880-1940' ('Nightlight. The painters of the new light 1880-1940', Haarlem 2010, with ill. page 38, page 126.

exhibitions: 'Nachtlicht' (Nightlight), Deurne, Museum De Wieger, Dec, 18 2010-March 6 2011/Amersfoort, Museum Flehite, March 12-June 5 2011.

The painter, writer and art critic Maurits Niekerk was born in Amsterdam, where he also visited the Rijksacademie. In 1892 he left for Belgium to continue studying at the Academy in Antwerp. Then he settled in the Flemish village of Sint-Martens-Latem. The landscapes, interiors and flower still lifes he painted there are far from the somewhat dark, poetic-realistic style of the early Latem School in their lyrical-impressionist style and quick brush strokes. In 1903 he exchanged the silence of the countryside for the bustle of Brussels, where he took city life as a subject. He died in Paris.

insurance value: € 14,000.-
starting bid: € 7,000.-