31. Johan Hendrik Doeleman
(1848-1913)

Stormy Sky Above a Canal in Holland

(click on image to print)
Doeleman, Stormy Sky

Stormy Sky Above a Canal in Holland

Drawing in watercolor and gouache on blue laid paper, 318 x 470 mm., signed in ink. Doeleman, though born and trained in Rotterdam, was in most respects a perfect example of the aesthetics of the Hague School. Originally strongly influenced by the Barbizon painters, they were less interested in a faithful representation of what they saw than in conveying the atmosphere and impression of the moment, with tone taking precedence over color. And they had an almost exclusive preference for the effects of bad weather and grey skies, so much so that they had an alternative name: “The Grey School.” One could hardly come up with a better description of this particular picture.