Louis Hartz (1869-1935) - Portrait of a Gentleman (dentist Filbrey, The Hague)

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A sensitive and characterful oil portrait attributed—according to the inscription on the reverse—to the sitter known as dentist Filbrey of The Hague. The work is by the Dutch-Jewish artist Jacob ‘Louis’ Hartz (Amsterdam 1869-1935 Heemstede), a painter and lithographer associated with the artistic circles of late 19th and early 20th-century The Netherlands. The annotation on the back further notes that the painting comes from the estate of Hartz’s son, Sem Hartz, the renowned type designer and engraver.

Louis Hartz studied at the Royal Academy of Art and was active in several Dutch cities, building a reputation for portraits, figure studies, and atmospheric genre scenes. His work shows the influence of the Hague School, with its muted palette, assured brushwork, and attention to psychological presence. Like many Jewish artists of his generation, Hartz became part of the broader cultural landscape of the Netherlands before the Second World War dramatically altered that world.

In this portrait, Hartz captures the sitter with remarkable immediacy: loose, confident brushstrokes shape the pale complexion, softened beard, and reflective expression. The subdued brown background and tonal gradations emphasise the sitter’s introspective mood, a hallmark of Hartz’s portraiture.

A compelling work of Dutch portrait art, enriched by its provenance from the artist’s own family and a documented connection to Sem Hartz.

⦿ Signed l.r.: Hartz
⦿ Dimensions (approx.): 41 x 27 cm (artwork).
⦿ Condition: Exhibits an authentic patina of age (see pictures).
⦿ Estimated Period: pre-war/1920s
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