Francien Krieg - Held in tension
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Held in tension is an oil painting on panel (60 × 40 cm) in the Impressionism style, an original edition created in 2026, hand-signed and sold directly by the artist Francien Krieg from the Netherlands, depicting a portrait.
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Description from the seller
Oil paint on Masonite panel 0.6 cm thick
I paint the body at moments when the mask shifts. In old skin, young bodies, boxers, drifting figures and quiet portraits I search for vulnerability, strength and the traces of time. My work is not about perfect beauty, but about the human moment when someone becomes visible for a moment.
. For those who enjoy not only the end result but also the search behind it, there is more to follow via @francienkrieg.
I enjoy making portraits of young men and adolescents because there is something special visible in that stage of life: a vulnerability not yet hardened by the world. Their faces and bodies carry an ambiguity within them – they are not fully formed yet, but full of promise and possibilities. What interests me is that in-between moment: no longer a child, not yet a man. In that transition lies a beauty I want to capture, the openness of what can still become and the fragile realization that this stage lasts only a short time.
All series – from self-portraits and aging bodies to young male boxers, women at sunset and intimate scenes with cats – can be found on my website, where you can also read more about my background and motivations:
www.francienkrieg.com
I work exclusively with premium materials: professionally prepared linen or smooth panels, and top-quality oil paints, rich in pigment. Each work is crafted with care and dedication – meant to endure, not only in material but also in meaning.
Seller's Story
Francien Krieg (b. 1973) is a distinguished Dutch artist renowned for her compelling explorations of the human form, particularly focusing on themes of aging and vulnerability. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, she initially engaged in conceptual installations, utilizing materials like meat and rubber to create thought-provoking pieces that delve into human fragility.
Transitioning to painting at The Free Academy in The Hague, Francien developed a distinctive style characterized by unconventional perspectives and a raw portrayal of the human body. Her works challenge societal norms, celebrating the beauty found in imperfection and the passage of time.
Her art has been featured in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, including the Scope Basel art fair, Realisme Amsterdam, and esteemed galleries such as Robert Lange Studios in Charleston and the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago. Notably, she participated in the Women Painting Women [r]evolution exhibition at Townsend Atelier in Tennessee and the Strak Realisme show at Gallery Beinart, alongside artists Effie Pryer and Ville Lopponen.
Francien's accolades include multiple nominations for the Dutch Portrait Award and being shortlisted for the Figurativas at MEAM in Barcelona in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Her work has been extensively featured in publications like Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, Realisme Today, The Guide Artists, Boldbrush, and Poets and Artists. In 2018, she published a comprehensive book detailing her artistic journey and exploration of the human condition.
Her paintings are highly sought after by collectors, with pieces held in significant Dutch collections, including the ING Collection and the former Scheringa Collection. Her collaboration with Gallery Mokum in Amsterdam has further solidified her status in the art market, positioning her among the leading figures in contemporary realism.
Francien Krieg continues to captivate audiences with her unflinching portrayal of humanity, inviting viewers to confront and appreciate the profound beauty inherent in imperfection and aging.
Translated by Google TranslateOil paint on Masonite panel 0.6 cm thick
I paint the body at moments when the mask shifts. In old skin, young bodies, boxers, drifting figures and quiet portraits I search for vulnerability, strength and the traces of time. My work is not about perfect beauty, but about the human moment when someone becomes visible for a moment.
. For those who enjoy not only the end result but also the search behind it, there is more to follow via @francienkrieg.
I enjoy making portraits of young men and adolescents because there is something special visible in that stage of life: a vulnerability not yet hardened by the world. Their faces and bodies carry an ambiguity within them – they are not fully formed yet, but full of promise and possibilities. What interests me is that in-between moment: no longer a child, not yet a man. In that transition lies a beauty I want to capture, the openness of what can still become and the fragile realization that this stage lasts only a short time.
All series – from self-portraits and aging bodies to young male boxers, women at sunset and intimate scenes with cats – can be found on my website, where you can also read more about my background and motivations:
www.francienkrieg.com
I work exclusively with premium materials: professionally prepared linen or smooth panels, and top-quality oil paints, rich in pigment. Each work is crafted with care and dedication – meant to endure, not only in material but also in meaning.
Seller's Story
Francien Krieg (b. 1973) is a distinguished Dutch artist renowned for her compelling explorations of the human form, particularly focusing on themes of aging and vulnerability. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, she initially engaged in conceptual installations, utilizing materials like meat and rubber to create thought-provoking pieces that delve into human fragility.
Transitioning to painting at The Free Academy in The Hague, Francien developed a distinctive style characterized by unconventional perspectives and a raw portrayal of the human body. Her works challenge societal norms, celebrating the beauty found in imperfection and the passage of time.
Her art has been featured in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, including the Scope Basel art fair, Realisme Amsterdam, and esteemed galleries such as Robert Lange Studios in Charleston and the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago. Notably, she participated in the Women Painting Women [r]evolution exhibition at Townsend Atelier in Tennessee and the Strak Realisme show at Gallery Beinart, alongside artists Effie Pryer and Ville Lopponen.
Francien's accolades include multiple nominations for the Dutch Portrait Award and being shortlisted for the Figurativas at MEAM in Barcelona in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Her work has been extensively featured in publications like Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, Realisme Today, The Guide Artists, Boldbrush, and Poets and Artists. In 2018, she published a comprehensive book detailing her artistic journey and exploration of the human condition.
Her paintings are highly sought after by collectors, with pieces held in significant Dutch collections, including the ING Collection and the former Scheringa Collection. Her collaboration with Gallery Mokum in Amsterdam has further solidified her status in the art market, positioning her among the leading figures in contemporary realism.
Francien Krieg continues to captivate audiences with her unflinching portrayal of humanity, inviting viewers to confront and appreciate the profound beauty inherent in imperfection and aging.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
Francien Krieg
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Direct from the artist
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Held in tension
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Netherlands
Year
2026
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
60 cm
Width
40 cm
Depiction/theme
Portrait
Style
Impressionism
Period
2020+
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