Herman Frederik Carel ten Kate (1822-1891) - Charmant gezelschap in het park

An idyllic painting of a charming company in a summer park, by the hand of the renowned Dutch 19th-century painter Herman ten Kate.

Oil on oak panel
Signed lower left: Herman ten Kate ft.
Dated: 1855.
Dimensions excluding frame: 19.5 x 25 cm.

Herman Frederik Carel (Herman) ten Kate (The Hague, 16 February 1822 – The Hague, 26 March 1891) was a Dutch painter and graphic artist.
Ten Kate grew up with his brothers Mari, who would also become a painter, and Jan, who became a well-known poet-preacher, in The Hague. He trained with the Amsterdam painter Cornelis Kruseman and, after a study trip through Belgium, France, Italy and Germany, settled in 1847 in the city of his master. He lived and worked there until 1869, after which he returned to his birthplace.

He was the older brother of Mari ten Kate, who later also mastered the painting profession. After some years of apprenticeship with Cornelis Kruseman, Herman traveled between 1840 and 1841 to Belgium, Germany, Italy, and France. In Paris he became acquainted with Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier (1815-1891), whose work he greatly admired. Meissonier was known for his classical historical scenes with military subjects, drawing inspiration from the Napoleonic wars and the French Revolution.
Herman ten Kate specialized in historical genre scenes, inspired to reflect on national history. In his paintings, which are usually set in a tavern or inn, figures are often depicted in 17th-century clothing. There are frequently soldiers present, drinking and playing cards in the pub. He also made a series of depictions of the Eighty Years' War. Ten Kate’s work was highly regarded in his time for its realistic portrayal and liveliness in his scenes. In 1856 he was named member of merit by the Rotterdam Academy. He also served several years as chairman of the Amsterdam artists’ society Arti et Amicitiae.

In the 19th century private patrons preferred historical costumes on their paintings. Thus there are also church interiors by Johannes Bosboom with 17th-century figures, and Cornelis Springer often received commissions to paint cityscapes with historical figures.

Ten Kate married Carolina Henriette Constantia Pierson (1836-1895) in 1876, a member of the Pierson family and sister of Prof. Dr. Allard Pierson, Dr. Hendrik Pierson, and Prof. Mr. Dr. Nicolaas Pierson. His son from his first marriage to Madelon Sophie Elisabeth Thooft, who was also named Herman Frederik Carel (1858-1931), became a well-known anthropologist.

Condition: the work is in sublime condition and is provided with a suitable, stylish, newer frame, which you will receive.

Higher price range.

This artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped insured.