Frans Pannekoek - Printmaker

Amsterdam's Rembranthuis presents a new exhibition of work by master printmaker Frans Lodewijk Pannekoek. Frans Pannekoek - Printmaker runs until 3 October.

Pannekoek's story

Pannekoek (1937) was taught to etch by J.C. Nachenius and spent a year at the School of Applied Art in Amsterdam, but as an artist he considers himself self-taught. He was influenced from the outset by prints by earlier artists, particularly the 17th-century printmaker Hercules Segers. In 1962 Pannekoek moved to Pingjum in Friesland, where he became friendly with the Dutch writer Gerard Reve.

National recognition

In 1967, at the artist's request, Reve published a short story entitled Veertien etsen van Frans Lodewijk Pannekoek voor arbeiders verklaard ('Fourteen Etchings by Frans Lodewijk Pannekoek Explained for Workers'), which brought Pannekoek national recognition. The artist settled in Spain in 1968, lived in France for many years and is now back in Spain.

Printing all rounder

Pannekoek's oeuvre consists of etchings and drypoint prints of Dutch, Spanish and French landscapes, some of them delicate and atmospheric, others with a powerful use of line. He also depicted animals and subjects from nature (such as shells, leaves and flowers), some portraits - including one of Reve, and self-portraits. Most of Pannekoek's prints bear inscriptions and are dated.