Johan Hendrik Van Mastenbroek

Place: Rotterdam

Born: 1875

Death: 1945

Biography:

Johan Hendrik van Mastenbroek was a Dutch painter who became known for his harbor views of Rotterdam and its surroundings. His work also includes the development of the Zuiderzeewerken, jachtscènes, portretten, and polderlandschappen. Van Mastenbroek's father, Johannes (1827-1909), played an important role in the early sale of his works; he had extensive contact with Hermanus Tersteeg (1845-1927), who was a prominent dealer in contemporary art in the Netherlands at the time. Tersteeg bought some of Van Mastenbroek's early aquarelles and tekeningen in 1894 and later mediated their sale to his foreign business contacts. It was also through Tersteeg that he met Jacob Maris, who had a visible influence on his painting style and advised him. However, he still had to work as a hout- en marmerschilder for several years to earn a living, but his employer soon also wanted aquarelles in the winter months when 'verven' was not possible. In 1894, he bought a bicycle to increase his working radius and also worked outside of Rotterdam. He painted and drew in Amsterdam at the IJ, Zaandam, Schiedam, and various Zuiderzeestadjes. Around 1895, he decided to work as an independent artist; the back room of his parents' house became his studio. His first sales to England took place in 1895; these expanded in subsequent years.