Ton Schulten (1938) - Confrontatie

Ton Schulten
Confrontation
Oil on canvas, 1990
80 x 80 cm (with frame 90 x 90 cm)
Including book

Beautiful early work by Ton Schulten, executed in oil on canvas. The painting dates from 1990, a pivotal period in the artist’s oeuvre during which his recognizable colorful and geometric style developed even more strongly. The work is depicted in the book Ton Schulten: Encounter with a passionate colorist, which is included with the painting.

The original frame, as is customary painted by Ton Schulten himself, shows a few small irregularities appropriate to age and authenticity. A special and characterful collectible by one of the Netherlands’ most beloved artists.

(1938–2025) was a Dutch painter who became best known for his colorful, geometric landscapes inspired by the Twente hillside landscape around Ootmarsum. His work is characterized by vivid colors, clean planes, and a distinctive representation of light and harmony. Schulten thus developed a completely individual style, which he himself called the “consensism.”

A turning point in his life was a serious car accident in 1991 in Germany, in which his wife was injured and two friends lost their lives. This event had a profound influence on his outlook on life and on his art. From that moment, light, spirituality, and connectedness took a central place in his paintings.

Ton Schulten grew to become one of the best-known contemporary Dutch artists and exhibited his work internationally. In his birthplace of Ootmarsum he opened the Ton Schulten Museum, where visitors can discover his paintings and life story. His art brought color and optimism and made him beloved by a broad audience.

On October 31, 2025 Ton Schulten passed away at the age of 87 in Ootmarsum. His work remains an important part of Dutch modern art and of the cultural identity of Twente.