signed ‘JthToorop’ (in brown ink)
1899
drypoint on Japan paper
15.9 x 18.9 cm (plate); 26 x 33.3 cm (sheet)
A fine impression with wide margins, there is a slight mount stain and the paper is somewhat discoloured, the sheet is somewhat cockled at the upper corners, but it is in otherwise good condition

Provenance:
Cornelis George Vattier Kraane (1864-1954) (L. 2521a).

At the end of the 19th century, the fishing town of Katwijk aan Zee became a popular destination for writers and artists who captured the town’s picturesque qualities in their art. Jan Toorop lived in Katwijk aan Zee from 1890 to 1892 and from 1899 to 1904 and he produced many paintings, drawings and prints depicting the town and its inhabitants. The present etching was made during his second stay in Katwijk and shows two ‘boetsters’ (someone who repairs fishing nets). [1]

[1] See for literature references: A. Plasschaert, Jan Toorop, Amsterdam, 1925, p. 39, no. 1899-10 and K.G. Boon, Jan Toorop 1858-1928, exhib. cat., Rijksmuseum, 1969, no. 45.