FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artworks that Inspired a Master

Waiting for Van Gogh:
Dutch Paintings from the 19th Century

February 8, 2006 – Sacramento, Calif. – On view from April 1 – July 2, 2006 at the Crocker Art Museum, the exhibition Waiting for Van Gogh captures the major currents of 19th century painting in the Netherlands. Dutch artists, particularly those associated with The Hague School (a group of artists influenced by the French Barbizon painters), were at their height when Vincent Van Gogh visited and wrote about their work in the early 1880s.

The works of art in this exhibition represent the generations of artists between the proclamation of the Republic in 1813 and the First World War. In their search for a truly national style, artists looked back to the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, but at the same time incorporated new techniques and subjects, including the feathery brushwork and peaceful landscapes of their French colleagues.

Van Gogh’s letters tell us about many of the artists he most admired, including Anton Mauve, Willem Maris and Hendrick Mesdag. Though Van Gogh ultimately won the day, these precursors were highly sought after in Europe and America, commanding the highest prices for their landscapes, seascapes and scenes of peasant life. Van Gogh’s earliest works reflect their contemplative subjects and graceful brushwork, and he never forgot their influence.

Though taste in the 20th century veered away from these artists, they have regained recognition in the past 20 years. Now, by exhibiting more than 45 paintings from the collection of Jan and Mary Ann Beekhuis, the Crocker Art Museum gives visitors a rare opportunity to experience artists who influenced one of history’s most celebrated figures.

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The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday; Thursday until 9 p.m. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

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Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Media: (916) 264-1963
Mobile : (916) 213-9402
Public: (916) 264-5423
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org