Thérèse Schwartze

From the series Dutch Masters

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.

Portrait of Thérèse Schwartze, the Artist's Daughter, at 16 years of age Portrait of Thérèse Schwartze, the Artist's Daughter, at 16 years of age

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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

Young Italian Woman, with ‘Puck’ the Dog Young Italian Woman, with ‘Puck’ the Dog

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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

Portrait of Amalia Eliza 
Tilanus-van Leeuwen Portrait of Amalia Eliza 
Tilanus-van Leeuwen

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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

Portrait of Lizzy Ansingh Portrait of Lizzy Ansingh

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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

Portret van Dr. P.J.H. Cuypers (1827-1921) Portret van Dr. P.J.H. Cuypers (1827-1921)

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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

Twee studies van prinses Juliana Twee studies van prinses Juliana

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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

Drie meisjes uit het Amsterdamse Burgerweeshuis Drie meisjes uit het Amsterdamse Burgerweeshuis

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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

Fortunati, een Italiaans model Fortunati, een Italiaans model

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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

Schilderes Thérèse Schwartze in haar atelier aan de Prinsengracht 1021 in Amsterdam Schilderes Thérèse Schwartze in haar atelier aan de Prinsengracht 1021 in Amsterdam

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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

Self-Portrait Self-Portrait

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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