Pietje (Girl Reading) — Suze Robertson

Suze Robertson. Painted c. 1898.

Pietje was probably a relative of Suze Robertson’s childminder. The artist painted her in this pose at least three times. In this version, the gold leaf behind her head forms a striking contrast to the painted brown tones. Robertson was fascinated by gold, initially rendering it in paint. Here she boldly took this a step further by applying gold leaf. By using this material the painting acquires a mystical aura.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in The Hague School / Amsterdam impressionists / Van Gogh and contemporaries, 19th Century, Main building.

panel, oil paint (paint), gold leaf · Original size: 32 × 42 cm · On loan from a private collection

Print: 32 × 42 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20014005. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.