Thérèse Schwartze (1851-1918) grew up in a German-American immigrant family. She displayed great ambition already at a young age. Her artistic talent coupled with her astute business acumen made her the most successful Dutch female artist of the 19th century.


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Family business
Thérèse’s father primed her from a young age to lead an artist’s life. When he died, she took over his studio and became the breadwinner at the age of 22. Her painting business became a real family undertaking; her mother saw to the bookkeeping and her sisters helped receive the clients.
Portrait of Thérèse Schwartze, the Artist's Daughter, at 16 years of age


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Balance
Through a combination of impasto and finer strokes of paint Schwartze created a playful and vivacious effect. The folds in the young woman’s sleeves are coarsely painted, while her face and locks of hair are finely modelled.
Young Italian Woman, with ‘Puck’ the Dog Thérèse Schwartze (1851-1918), oil on canvas, 1884-1885


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Pastel
Schwartze garnered a great deal of praise with her pastel crayon portraits. In just a few hours she succeeded in capturing her sitters’ likeness in smooth strokes and clear tones. Notice the lifelike rendering of the costly fabrics of their clothes, such as silk, tulle and fur!
Amelia Eliza van Leeuwen (1862-1923). Wife of Christiaan Bernard Tilanus, Surgeon and Orthopedist in Amsterdam, Thérèse Schwartze, 1900


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Intimacy
An intimate atmosphere emanates from the portraits Schwartze made of her loved ones. In the likeness of her niece Lizzy Ansingh, the strong contrast between light and dark in her face and between red and green in her clothes creates a powerful aura. Lizzy’s penetrating gaze holds our attention.
Portrait of Lizzy Ansingh Thérèse Schwartze (1851-1918), oil on canvas, 1902


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Cultural networker
Thérèse was known for her social skills and easy conversation. She developed an extensive network of prominent figures in the art world, including Rijksmuseum architect Pierre Cuypers. Through her niece Lizzy Ansingh, she became a role model for the Amsterdam ‘Joffers’, a group of female artists at the beginning of the 20th century of which Lizzy was a member.
Portrait of Dr. P.J.H. Cuypers (1827-1921), Thérèse Schwartze, 1885 - 1918


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Royal clientele
Schwartze made a name for herself as a portraitist of the elite, who paid substantial sums for her paintings. She was also discovered by members of the Dutch royal family who sat to her in their palaces multiple times.
Two Studies of Princess Juliana, Thérèse Schwartze, 1910


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Extensive oeuvre
Schwartze was known to work fast. According to an estimate from the year after her death, she produced about 1000 drawings, pastels and paintings in the course of her career which spanned roughly 40 years.
Three Girls from the Amsterdam Orphanage, Thérèse Schwartze, 1885


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Wanderlust
Munich, Paris, England, Spain: Schwartze travelled widely at a time when this was not easy. As an unaccompanied woman it was even more unusual. Her ambition, daring and perseverance, which resulted in her success and financial independence, may account for her singular position.
Fortunati, an Italian Model, Thérèse Schwartze, 1861-1918


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Painting studio as a reception area
It was important to have a finely appointed space to receive high-ranking clients. To this end, Schwartze bought several neighbouring buildings on Prinsengracht, which she merged into one large studio. She later expanded this with her own exhibition gallery. This was her calling card.
The Painter Thérèse Schwartze in her Studio at 1021 Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, Sigmund Löw (attributed to), 1903


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Knighted
Owing to her many successes at exhibitions at home and abroad Schwartze became a true celebrity. For her achievements, in 1896 she was the first woman ever to be made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Self-portrait with a Black Hat and Glasses, Thérèse Schwartze, 1917