Fedor van Kregten (1871-1937) - Kalfje

Beautiful painting by the master of beasts, Fedor van Kregten, with one of his beloved subjects, calves. In this panel there is, however, only one, but it is by no means any less beautiful.
Oil on canvas, canvas size 26x37 cm, outer frame 33x44 cm.
Signed lower left "F.v.Kregten".
(Fedor van Kregten, Diever 1871-1937 The Hague) Fedor van Kregten lived and worked for a large part of his life in the hamlet of Notter near Wierden. In addition, he alternated working in The Hague and Drenthe. In between, he made journeys to Morocco and Spain. The autodidact Van Kregten constantly drew inspiration from nature. He painted many landscapes with livestock in the spirit of the Hague School, playing with light. Van Kregten, born a Drent, moved with his parents to Wierden. His father was the headmaster of the elementary school in the rural area on the west side of the village. Fedor van Kregten initially chose teaching as a profession, until he converted to art at the age of 22.
His specialty is landscape paintings, often with many cows, calves, or flocks of sheep. Van Kregten went to great lengths to paint as true to life as possible. He lived in Notter—where his studio was—among cows. He even ate and slept there to understand the animals’ build and mood. All for the sake of art. Fedor van Kregten first earned his teacher’s certificate, but from age 22 he painted full-time. He produced a very large body of work and quickly gained a reputation as a cow painter. He lived and worked in The Hague and Wierden. In 1925 he undertook a long journey to North Africa and Spain. Afterwards his style shifted to a much fresher and more sparkling palette. He was mostly self-taught. He painted and drew mainly landscapes with cows and, after 1925, also Arab scenes. He is regarded as part of the second generation of the Hague School.

The work is in very good condition and is housed in a beautiful original frame.
Provenance: from a private collection.
Will be sent by registered mail via PostNL.