Willem Witsen - Etching - etc. - Proof - The transfer at the Montelbaanstoren

A century after his death, modest and versatile artist Willem Witsen steps forward.

Power and recognition
While Breitner and Israels preferred liveliness, Witsen chose silence. His impressive paintings, drawings and etchings breathe atmosphere and intimacy. Finally, this silent force deserves recognition.
Seamless whole
The exhibition reveals Witsen as an artist with many talents. Painting, photography, etching and writing form a seamless whole in his oeuvre. His realistic paintings, smoothly drawn, and lived-in etchings distinguish themselves with special points of view and an atmospheric, sometimes mysterious atmosphere.
Key figure in artist network
Equally important is the introduction to Witsen as a person. How did he grow into a key figure in the 19th-century network of artists and writers (The Eighties)? For writer Willem Kloos, Witsen is a rock in the surf; his friendship with artist George Hendrik Breitner even ends in a shared grave. Art, photos and letters paint a beautiful picture of his career and offer a unique insight into his personal life. Works from the permanent collection of Museum Jan Cunen are supplemented with masterpieces from other museums.
Whites in Oss
Since the 1950s, 19th century art has been actively collected in Oss. This results in a rich sub-collection that puts the museum on the map and plays a role in the collection display of Villa Curiossa.
Nico's letters
Nico Dijkshoorn wrote a dozen letters to Witsen, based on his works, friendships and original correspondence. Listen to them as an audio tour.