International studio (34.1908)

JVillem Roelofs


BY WILLEM ROELOFS

scape, are less natural
than the modern, That is
true. In modern land-
scapes we try more and
more to come closer to
nature, to get free from
tricks and adopted theories
of composition and effect.
The means of expression
are advancing towards per-
fection. Impressions of
nature not seized by the
old masters, effects of light
and colour unnoticed by
them, have been rendered
subservient to art. But all
this knowledge is vain

that is in it; it is like music that would make us
dream of those big clouds, of that murmuring
water, of the quiet road along the dyke. It is not
enough to take brown, grey or black pigment to
attain this; but along with your most correct
studies from nature you ought to put something
of your own feelings in to make a picture. Perhaps
you will think the old painters, especially in land-

when emotion is absent.”
From this extract, the reader can gather some-
thing of the personal charm of Roelofs and the
weight his conversation had upon those present to
listen. But this wTas an honour reserved for his
intimates, for he was no publicist and had little use
for mere acquaintances. “ Sympathetic towards all,
Roelofs had only friends,” writes Professor Henri


“ the ‘ gein ’ ’
182

(Municipal Museum, Amsterdam)

BY WILLEM ROELOFS